Swift Diagnosis: Nasopharyngeal Culture IDs Upper Respiratory Infections in 48 Hours
Doctors can now swiftly diagnose upper respiratory infections with a simple nasopharyngeal culture. This test, quick and painless, can identify various pathogens causing symptoms like chest congestion or chronic cough within 48 hours.
The culture can detect common bacterial culprits such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, as well as antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA. It also covers fungi and viruses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, whooping cough, and Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Results guide treatment: bacterial infections are tackled with antibiotics, while fungal infections require antifungals. Viral infections, which usually resolve on their own, don't respond to these medications. Doctors may prescribe comfort measures like cough syrups or fever reducers for viral infections.
A nasopharyngeal culture is a vital tool for doctors, enabling them to identify the cause of upper respiratory symptoms quickly and accurately. This helps in providing the right treatment and improving patient outcomes.
