The disposable chip that will allow GPs to write the perfect prescription

A new method of distinguishing viral from bacterial infections will help control the misuse of antibioticsYou have a rasping cough. Your speech is reduced to a whisper and your throat is raw and aching. You cannot sleep. So you tell your sad story to your doctor, who faces a simple issue: do you have a viral infection, or is a bacterium responsible for your illness?It sounds a trivial issue. In fact, the problem goes beyond your immediate health and has implications for the general wellbeing of society. If your doctor makes a misdiagnosis and – thinking your condition is caused by a bacterium – prescribes a course of antibiotics, the decision could have harmful side-effects.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Antibiotics Infectious diseases Medical research Microbiology Science Society Health Healthcare industry Business Source Type: news