Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) can be caused by a wide variety of viruses and bacteria. They often present with similar signs and symptoms, making clinical diagnosis challenging. While viruses are typically the most common cause, recent epidemiological data indicate a significant rise in bacterial infections, including Mycoplasma pneumoniae, worldwide. How can diagnosticians adapt to improve the diagnosis of URTIs and enhance clinical decision-making?

In this webinar, Danilo Buonsenso, MD, PhD, and Johan Brynedal Öckinger, PhD will join Carmen Miravet Zaragoza, MSc to discuss the critical role of differential diagnosis in managing URTIs. They will highlight the unique benefits of syndromic testing in distinguishing between viral and bacterial infections. The discussion will explore how rapid pathogen identification can lead to timely treatment, reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and improve patient outcomes.