A large retrospective cohort study conducted in Denmark assessed nearly 20,000 patients hospitalized with viral respiratory infections such as COVID-19, influenza A or B, and respiratory syncytial virus. The study revealed that atypical bacterial co-infections were infrequent, with only 1% of patients testing positive for pathogens like Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Consequently, routine testing and empirical treatment with macrolides like clarithromycin may not be necessary for most patients, except in specific clinical scenarios. Research led by Dr. Bo Langhoff Hønge suggests guidelines for viral infections should reassess the role of such empirical treatments.
1. Nearly 20,000 patients studied for viral respiratory infections.2. Atypical bacterial co-infections found in only 1% of tested patients.3. Empirical treatment with clarithromycin may be unnecessary.4. Most patients with positive results did not receive early therapy.5. Testing frequency varied across hospitals.6. Guidelines for viral respiratory infections should be reconsidered regarding atypical bacteria testing.7. Exceptions for testing include severely ill patients or during Mycoplasma outbreaks.
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