# P-691. Comparative Analysis of Respiratory Infections: The Role of Respiratory Panel Testing

## TL;DR

This study shows that respiratory panel testing is crucial for accurately diagnosing infections with similar symptoms, especially in hospitalized patients.

## Contribution

The study provides real-world data on the frequency and symptom patterns of respiratory infections in a South Indian hospital setting.

## Key findings

- Influenza A was the most common infection detected, followed by Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae was associated with more severe symptoms like fever and breathlessness compared to other infections.
- Over half of the tested samples did not detect any pathogen, highlighting the limitations of symptom-based diagnosis.

## Abstract

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a major health concern worldwide. Many viruses and bacteria can cause similar symptoms, like fever, cough, and sore throat, making it hard to tell them apart without testing. Respiratory panel tests can detect multiple infections in one go and are especially useful for hospitalized or high-risk patients.Fig.1.Patient selectionNumber of samples sent each month

Patient selection

Number of samples sent each month

This retrospective study was done in a tertiary care hospital in South India from March to December 2024. Medical records of inpatients who underwent respiratory panel testing were reviewed. Common symptoms were compared across viral and bacterial infections.Detected organisms in respiratory samplesSymptoms associated with different types of respiratory infections

Detected organisms in respiratory samples

Symptoms associated with different types of respiratory infections

Out of 140 samples [Fig.1], Influenza A was the most common (11.4%), followed by Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus (9.3%) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (4.3%). No pathogen was found in 52.8% of cases [Table 1]. Coinfections were rare (0.7%). Most samples were submitted in August [Fig. 2]. Cough was most common in Mycoplasma pneumoniae (100%) and Influenza A (68.5%). Fever and breathlessness were also more common in Mycoplasma cases. Some symptoms, like vomiting and burning urination, were noted in specific infections [Table 2].

Influenza A and Rhinovirus/Enterovirus were the most frequent infections. Mycoplasma pneumoniae caused more severe symptoms. As many respiratory infections present with similar signs, it is difficult to identify the exact cause based on symptoms alone. Therefore, respiratory panel testing is essential for accurate diagnosis, guiding proper treatment, and reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.

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