Published online Oct 16, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i29.7144
Peer-review started: June 19, 2023
First decision: August 4, 2023
Revised: August 15, 2023
Accepted: September 25, 2023
Article in press: September 25, 2023
Published online: October 16, 2023
Processing time: 116 Days and 3.4 Hours
The co-infection of Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) and Tropheryma whipplei (T. whipplei) is unusual, and the detection of pathogenic microorganisms is particularly important for patients with severe diseases or poor experience in treatment. Early identification of pathogens can significantly improve the prognosis of the patients. Targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) is currently widely used in clinical practice for various infectious diseases, including respiratory infections, to achieve early, accurate, and rapid microbial diagnosis.
We report a case of a 40-year-old female patient with a history of contact with parrots who was diagnosed with C. psittaci and T. whipplei infection through bronchial lavage fluid targeted next generation sequencing. After moxifloxacin treatment, the patient's symptoms improved significantly, and the imaging changes were obviously resolved.
Coinfection with C. psittaci and T. whipplei is not common. In this case, timely and accurate identification of both pathogens was achieved using tNGS. Moreover, the efficacy of monotherapy with moxifloxacin was confirmed.
Core Tip: The co-infection of Chlamydia psittaci and Tropheryma whipplei is not common. Due to its ability to cause severe infections, timely and reliable diagnosis is crucial for improving prognosis. In recent years, the development of targeted next-generation sequencing has made the diagnosis of pathogenic microorganisms more economical and efficient.