A Rapid Test to Differentiate Viral From Bacterial Infections: Searching for the Holy Grail.

Allan-Blitz, Lao-Tzu; Klausner, Jeffrey D · Clin Infect Dis · 2026

review · Level V

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Abstract

Differentiating viral from bacterial causes of acute respiratory illness can avoid the numerous consequences of inappropriate antibiotic use. We review the clinical literature evaluating a combined rapid Myxovirus resistance protein A and C-reactive protein point-of-care assay, discuss potential applications, and highlight remaining questions.

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