Reducing the global burden of acute lower respiratory infections in children: the contribution of new diagnostics

摘要

Acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) are the primary cause of death among children aged < 5 years in developing countries, despite increased access to antibiotics. Many children with ALRIs fail to receive adequate care, and overuse of antibiotics has led to an increase in drug-resistant bacteria. An accurate, easy-to-use and widely available new diagnostic test could improve the identification of bacterial ALRI among children, thereby reducing the inappropriate use of antibiotics and the long-term negative impacts of drug resistance. A new diagnostic test for severe ALRI could also reduce mortality if access to hospital care is significantly increased.