Diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis using metagenomic next-generation sequencing and conventional microbial tests post-COVID-19 pandemic

Our study is the first to focus on <i>Aspergillus</i> infection after the COVID-19 pandemic and find that (i) mNGS is a feasible and highly sensitive method for detecting <i>Aspergillus</i> post-COVID-19 pandemic, thereby serving as a valuable auxiliary tool for CMTs. (ii) mNGS has the potential to revolutionize the management of fungal infections. (iii) The history of COVID-19 infection is an independent risk factor for IPA. Identification of this risk factor for IPA may raise clinical attention and require careful follow-up of high-risk individuals post-COVID-19 infection. (iv) Mixed infections were commonly observed in IPA patients, with <i>Human gammaherpesvirus</i> and <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> being the most common co-pathogens.