Abstract
Objective. To determine the prevalence of viruses and atypical pathogens as causes of acute severe exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Design. Retrospective. Setting. University Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands. Methods. In 4 studies with 305 patients with severe type-I exacerbations (increase of dyspnoea, of sputum volume and of sputum purulence) serological tests for viral and atypical pathogens were performed. Results. Positive serology for viral infections was seen in 18 (5.9%) patients and for the atypical pathogens in 12 (3.9%) patients. Conclusions. Since viruses and atypical pathogens are the cause of the exacerbation in only few cases, clinical signs can be used in decision-making whether or not to prescribe antibiotics in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
Translated title of the contribution | Causative role of infection with viruses and atypical pathogens in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis less frequent than expected |
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Original language | Dutch |
Pages (from-to) | 2406-2410 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde |
Volume | 140 |
Issue number | 48 |
Publication status | Published - 30 Nov 1996 |