Blood Test Can Distinguish Bacterial from Viral Infections in Febrile Newborns

A new blood test that measures two specific molecules can accurately differentiate between bacterial and viral infections in newborns with fever, according to research presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress. This diagnostic advancement is significant because fever in newborns requires prompt medical evaluation, and distinguishing the type of infection helps clinicians make more targeted treatment decisions. Currently, physicians often must start antibiotics empirically while awaiting culture results, which can lead to unnecessary antibiotic exposure. This test could reduce inappropriate antibiotic use while ensuring infants with bacterial infections receive timely treatment, ultimately improving outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.