Integrated Microbiome Data Analysis Reveals Potential Pneumonia Microbial Biomarkers in ICU Patients: A Machine Learning Approach.

The human microbiome is pivotal in maintaining health and managing diseases. By examining the core microbiome in intensive care units (ICU) patients with pneumonia, we can gain valuable insights into the microbial communities associated with disease conditions. Pneumonia is the second most common infection in ICU settings, and recent research has highlighted the significance of endotracheal aspirate (ETA) microbiota in influencing pneumonia. Analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing data from lung microbiota of ICU patients revealed Pseudomonas as a key microbial biomarker, with machine learning model (xgbTree) achieving high predictive accuracy (prAUC: 0.98 and 0.7 log loss). Functional profile analysis revealed that the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and tetracycline-resistant ribosomal protection (Tet RPPs) proteins were possible molecular biomarkers that can be targeted to address the abundant pathogenic microbiome in pneumonia patients. These findings provide critical insights into pneumonia-specific microbiome signatures, highlighting Pseudomonas as a diagnostic marker and resistance-associated functional pathways as potential intervention targets. This study contributes to the development of precision medicine strategies for pneumonia management in ICU settings.