Bedford, UK, 11 November 2009: Data has shown that epidemics of Influenza and Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) coincide with epidemics of S. pneumoniae1. In fact, half or more of the flu-associated mortality in the 1918-1919 Spanish Flu epidemic is believed to have resulted from pneumococcal superinfections1. For this reason, rapid testing for S. pneumoniae during times of high Influenza infection is important to diagnose and reduce the complications of secondary bacterial infections.
The BinaxNOW S. pneumoniae test from Inverness Medical is a 15 minute in vitro immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative detection of S. pneumoniae antigen in the urine of patients with pneumonia to be used in conjunction with culture and other methods. The easy-to-use, urine-based test allows targeted antibiotic treatment within 4 hours of admission, enabling improved patient outcomes and lower overall healthcare costs2.
Urinary antigen testing for S. pneumoniae has several advantages over conventional microbiology testing for the diagnosis of Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP). Sputum samples are difficult to obtain and the yield of both sputum gram stain and culture can be limited particularly if the patient has commenced antibiotic treatment3.
It has been recommended that urinary antigen testing for S. pneumoniae be incorporated into the testing algorithms of Country specific Guidelines for the Management of Community Acquired Pneumonia.3
To discuss the importance of rapid testing for respiratory infections, including Influenza A and B, S. pneumoniae, Legionella, and RSV, visit Inverness Medical on stand C70 Hall 3 at Medica 2009.
1. WHO. Acute Respiratory Infections. 2009
2. Houck PM et al. Timing of antibiotic administration and outcomes for Medicare patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. Arch Intern Med. 2004 Mar 22; 164 (6):637-44
3. Mandell L et al. Infectious Disease Society of America/American Thoracic Society Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Community Acquired Pneumonia in Adults. Clinical Infectious Diseases 2007; 44: S27-72
About Inverness
By developing new capabilities in near-patient diagnosis, monitoring and health management, Inverness Medical Innovations enables individuals to take charge of improving their health and quality of life at home. Inverness’ global leading products and services, as well as its new product development efforts, focus on infectious disease, cardiology, oncology, drugs of abuse and women’s health. Inverness is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. For additional information on Inverness Medical Innovations, please visit www.invmed.com.
