Non-Targeted Metabolomics Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Infections

This technical report presents a non-targeted metabolomics analysis of blood samples from children diagnosed with acute respiratory infections (ARIs) caused by SARS-CoV-2 or influenza, compared to age-matched controls. The study aims to identify phenotypic differences between these infections to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Using a novel software tool, Insight Profiler, the analysis revealed 75 metabolite and lipid features that were significantly different between the groups, with phosphatidylcholines being notably reduced in both infection types. The methodology involved high-resolution reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for data acquisition and processing. The findings indicate that metabolomics may serve as a useful approach for distinguishing between ARI phenotypes and identifying potential biomarkers that could improve clinical care plans. The report also discusses the limitations of current diagnostic strategies and the potential of metabolomics to address these challenges.