An abundance of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) occur each year, leading to countless hospital trips and absenteeism. Understanding the many different bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can lead to RTIs is essential for understanding downstream management and treatment. Many symptoms of RTIs are ambiguous, but the causative agent informs medical staff how a condition could be treated. In case of severe infection where symptoms, such as extended fatigue; difficulty in breathing; and secondary conditions like pneumonia can occur, medical staff must know what pathogen they are dealing with.
There are also several testing options for RTIs, including bacteria culture, antigen testing, and real-time PCR. As procedures and equipment have improved over time, molecular testing, such as PCR, has gained popularity for its sensitivity and specificity, quick turnaround times, and ability to identify pathogens that were previously elusive.
Download this infographic to read more about:
- The different microbes that can be responsible for RTIs
- Common transmission modes of RTIs
- How RTIs can be effectively managed
- Symptoms and risk factors of RTIs
- Testing options for RTIs
- Six additional resources for further reading, courtesy of Thermo Fisher Scientific
