Diagnosis of Respiratory infection

DIAGNOSIS

Identifying a specific etiologic agent, especially in the absence of pneumonia or serious disease, is not always clinically necessary. If indicated, the following methods of diagnosis can be used:

• Molecular methods are available to detect a number of respiratory viruses, including influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus, and for certain nonviral pathogens.
• Rapid tests are also available to detect some pathogens such as respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, L. pneumophila, and group A Streptococcus.
• Microbiologic culturing of sputum and blood, although insensitive, can help identify a causative respiratory pathogen.
• Special consideration should be given to diagnosing patients with suspected MERS (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/guidelines-clinical-specimens.html), H5N1 (www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h5n1/testing.htm), or H7N9 (www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h7n9/testing.htm).

Source: CDC Yellow Book 2016¹

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References

1. Source: CDC Yellow Book 2016: cdc.gov/ travel/ yellowbook/ 2016/ the-pre-travel-consultation/ respiratory-infections

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