SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Assessing the Clinical Relevance of Host-Response-Based Diagnostic Testing in Recently Admitted Patients and Its Impact on Time-Sensitive Antibiotic Selection.

Assessing the Clinical Relevance of Host-Response-Based Diagnostic Testing in Recently Admitted Patients and Its Impact on Time-Sensitive Antibiotic Selection.

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This document describes the use of the MeMed BV host-response assay in hospitalized patients to help distinguish bacterial from viral illness when routine tests are unclear. The assay measures TRAIL, IP-10, and CRP and returns an algorithm-based score that supports diagnostic decision-making at admission.<br /><br />The authors reviewed how the test was integrated into the hospital workflow and found that its analytical performance and turnaround time met expectations. In real-world use, it reliably differentiated bacterial from viral infections in complex cases where conventional biomarkers such as WBC count, CRP, ESR, imaging, and viral panels were not definitive.<br /><br />Three case examples illustrate its utility:<br />- A 74-year-old man with hypoxia and stroke-like symptoms was found to have bacterial pneumonitis/aspiration pneumonia, and the test supported prompt antibiotic treatment.<br />- A 76-year-old woman with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and systemic symptoms had a viral score, helping avoid unnecessary antibiotics and supporting treatment with IV fluids and bowel rest.<br />- A 73-year-old woman with CHF, hypoxia, and possible pneumonia had a bacterial score, helping identify superimposed bacterial pneumonia and guiding antibiotic therapy.<br /><br />Overall, the authors conclude that host-response diagnostics may address a longstanding challenge in hospital medicine: distinguishing bacterial from viral infections quickly and accurately. This approach may reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, improve diagnostic precision, shorten hospital stays, and support timely, evidence-based treatment decisions.

Asset Subtitle

Brad A. Daniels-Demers

Meta Tag

Author List Brad A. Daniels-Demers, Evan Simpson

Category Research

Concept Host-Response Diagnostics

Concept MeMed BV

Concept Bacterial Infection

Concept Viral Infection

Concept Antibiotic Use

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization UMass Health

Presenting Author Brad A. Daniels-Demers

Track Translating Research into Practice

Keywords

MeMed BV

host-response assay

bacterial infection

viral infection

TRAIL

IP-10

CRP

hospitalized patients

diagnostic decision-making

antibiotic stewardship

Host-Response Diagnostics

MeMed BV

Bacterial Infection

Viral Infection

Antibiotic Use