Ultra-sensitive blood test to discriminate a bacterial from a viral infection.
Upper respiratory tract infections are viral in the vast majority of cases (approx. 70%). Antibiotics are not indicated here, but are nevertheless prescribed far too often, as many doctors feel compelled to prescribe a drug, e.g. an antibiotic, because the patient expects an effective therapy. The consequences are unnecessary side effects, high costs and the development of resistance. The clear distinction between a bacterial and a viral infection is essential to reduce the misuse of antibiotics, which affects everyone.