Is It Bacterial or Viral? Laboratory Differentiation
James C. Overall Jr MD1
1 Professor of Pediatrics and Pathology; Chief, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Utah School of Medicine; Medical Director, Diagnostic Virology Laboratory, Associated Regional and University Pathologists, Salt Lake City, UT.
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.