Acute phase response and immunofluorescence test in differentiation between viral and bacterial respiratory infections in children

ABSTRACT

In this work, the value of the clinical presentation and host responses [erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count and C-reactive protein] in distinguishing viral from bacterial respiratory infections was studied in 240 infants and children. An etiologic diagnosis was carried out by cultures of pharyngeal secretions, antibody assays and antigen detection techniques. The results indicated that immunofluorescence [IF] test is the most appropriate rapid, accurate and reliable diagnostic technique for the detection of respiratory viral pathogens. Respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] was the most commonly isolated viral agent, while S. pneumoniae was the most commonly incriminated bacterial agent