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Updated: May 22, 2026

Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
Published on: April 6, 2019
In vitro diagnostics for respiratory infections: current state and opportunities
Ana Catalina Hernandez Padilla1,2,3, Kateryna Viligorska4, Juan Pablo Rodríguez Ruiz5
1UMR INSERM 1092, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France.
Abstract:
Acute respiratory tract infections represent a significant burden in primary care, with antibiotics often prescribed unnecessarily. This contributes to the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by increasing the burden of infectious diseases and mortality risk. This is a report from a joint European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases/European Respiratory Society research seminar held in November 2023 to discuss the role of in vitro diagnostic tests to combat AMR in community-acquired respiratory tract infections. We review the diagnostic tools available and in development, and the challenges related to their assessment, implementation in clinical settings and their overall impact on AMR.
Insights
Diagnostic tests can help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use for respiratory infections, combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This review explores tools and challenges in primary care settings to fight AMR.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute respiratory tract infections are a major primary care concern.
- Unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions fuel antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
- AMR increases infectious disease burden and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role of in vitro diagnostic tests in combating AMR.
- To review current and emerging diagnostic tools for respiratory infections.
- To identify challenges in diagnostic test implementation and impact assessment.
Main Methods:
- Report from a joint European research seminar (November 2023).
- Review of available and developmental in vitro diagnostic tools.
- Discussion of challenges in assessment, clinical implementation, and AMR impact.
Main Results:
- In vitro diagnostics offer a strategy to combat AMR in respiratory infections.
- Various diagnostic tools exist and are under development.
- Significant challenges hinder optimal assessment and implementation.
Conclusions:
- Diagnostic stewardship is crucial for managing AMR in primary care.
- Effective implementation of diagnostic tests can optimize antibiotic use.
- Further research and collaboration are needed to overcome implementation barriers.
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