Use of transcriptomics for diagnosis of infections and sepsis in children: A narrative review

Abstract Aim The aim of this review was to summarise the most recent evidence about the use of omics‐based techniques as an instrument for a more rapid and accurate characterisation of respiratory tract infections, neurological infections and sepsis in paediatrics. Methods We performed a narrative review using PubMed and a set of inclusion criteria: English language articles, clinical trials, meta‐analysis and reviews including only paediatric population inherited to this topic in the last 15 years. Results The examined studies suggest that host gene expression signatures are an effective method to characterise the different types of infections, to distinguish infection from colonisation and, in some cases, to assess the severity of the disease in children. Conclusions ‘Omics‐based techniques’ may help to define the aetiology of infections in paediatrics, representing a useful tool to choose the most appropriate therapies and limit antibiotic resistance.