Korean J healthc assoc Infect Control Prev.  2024 Jun;29(1):10-18. 10.14192/kjicp.2024.29.1.10.

Advancements and Interpretations of Laboratory Testing for Infectious Pneumonia

• Cho MC
• Kim YJ

• KMID: 2556869
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14192/kjicp.2024.29.1.10

Abstract

Respiratory infections pose significant global public health challenges, with pneumonia being the major contributor. Rapid and accurate diagnoses of respiratory infections remain paramount. This review focuses on the evolution of diagnostic laboratory testing for infectious pneumonia and traces advancements from the past to the present. From early Gram staining to the advent of modern molecular biology techniques, various diagnostic approaches are explored. Additionally, the potential advantages, limitations, and practical applications of emerging diagnostic laboratory technologies are discussed with the aim of providing valuable insights for healthcare workers involved in infection control, enhancing their understanding of the latest trends and precise interpretations of pneumonia diagnoses.

Keyword

Pneumonia; Infection; Diagnostic testing; PCR; Laboratory

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Trap device used for endotracheal tube aspirates. (A) Unused specimen container. (B) Screw capped specimen container.

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  Fig. 2 Examples of microbiome analysis of respiratory samples. (A) Results of 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing on eight samples from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, indicating the relative abundance of each taxon (B) Shotgun sequencing results of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from a patient with pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, illustrating known pathogens, normal respiratory microbiota, and genes associated with resistance.

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