Is it bacterial or viral? Laboratory differentiation

Pediatr Rev. 1993 Jul;14(7):251-61. doi: 10.1542/pir.14-7-251.

Abstract

To differentiate viral, chlamydial, and mycoplasmal infections from bacterial disease in office and in emergency room practice, a combination of epidemiologic and clinical features usually will suggest one or a few microorganisms. Following that, laboratory diagnosis can be more targeted. Definition of the specific etiology will enable the proper management choice of antibiotics, antivirals, or symptomatic therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Infections*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chlamydia Infections / diagnosis*
  • Chlamydia Infections / microbiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diarrhea / diagnosis
  • Diarrhea / microbiology
  • Fever / diagnosis
  • Fever / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / microbiology
  • Meningitis, Viral / diagnosis
  • Meningitis, Viral / microbiology
  • Pharyngitis / diagnosis
  • Pharyngitis / microbiology
  • Pneumonia / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia / microbiology
  • Stomatitis / diagnosis
  • Stomatitis / microbiology
  • Virus Diseases*