Better diagnostic evidence can support more informed treatment decisions and responsible antibiotic use.
Antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections when indicated. However, distinguishing viral infections from bacterial infections and identifying possible co-infections can be challenging, particularly in patients with respiratory illness.
A global cohort study published in The Lancet Microbe on October 23, 2026, highlights the importance of appropriate antibiotic prescribing and antimicrobial stewardship.
What Does the Research Tell Us?
The study, Antibiotic overuse and mortality in patients hospitalised for COVID-19:a global cohort study, analysed data from 592,898 hospitalized patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 across 64 countries between January 2020 and October 2023.
Among the 451,291 patients with available antibiotic-use data, 75.6% received antibiotics. Yet clinically suspected co-infections were reported in only 7.9% of the overall cohort.
The study found no association between empirical antibiotic use and improved clinical outcomes. After adjustment for relevant patient factors, empirical antibiotic use was associated with higher 28-day in-hospital mortality in both mild-to-moderate and severe-to-critical cases.
As an observational study, these findings do not establish that antibiotics caused the increased mortality. Instead, they reinforce the need for appropriate prescribing and stronger antimicrobial stewardship.
The key question is not whether antibiotics are necessary, but when they are needed and what diagnostic evidence can help guide their use.
The Role of In Vitro Diagnostics
Respiratory infections can present with similar symptoms but have different underlying causes. Timely, appropriate diagnostic testing can provide evidence to support pathogen identification and clinical assessment.
Identify common respiratory viruses: Targeted tests can detect pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, RSV and Adv.
Broaden pathogen identification: Multiplex nucleic acid testing can detect multiple respiratory pathogens in a single panel, helping address different diagnostic needs.
Investigate bacterial infection and resistance: When clinically indicated, bacterial pathogen detection and targeted antimicrobial resistance gene testing can provide additional evidence for treatment assessment.
No single test can resolve every diagnostic question. Results must be interpreted alongside clinical findings, microbiological evidence, and applicable treatment guidelines. In vitro diagnostics supports clinical judgment rather than replacing it.
Macro & Micro-Test: Respiratory Diagnostic Solutions
As a company focused on in vitro diagnostics (IVD), Macro & Micro-Test offers solutions spanning rapid antigen screening, molecular pathogen detection, and antimicrobial resistance gene testing.
1. Rapid Initial Screening: IVDR-Marked Respiratory Antigen Tests
For self-testing and near-patient testing, Macro & Micro-Test offers three respiratory antigen combinations, CE-marked under EU IVDR (Notified Body 3018):
5-in-1: COVID-19 + Influenza A/B + RSV + Adenovirus
3-in-1: COVID-19 + Influenza A/B
2-in-1: RSV + Adenovirus
Using nasal swab specimens, these tests deliver results in 15–20 minutes, offering convenient options for initial assessment in appropriate testing settings.
Rapid antigen tests and molecular diagnostics serve different but complementary needs. Further testing may be appropriate depending on the patient’s condition and clinical findings. A positive viral test does not exclude bacterial co-infection or, by itself, determine whether antibiotics are necessary.
2. Molecular Respiratory Testing with Eudemon™ AIO800
Macro & Micro-Test’s Eudemon™ AIO800 Sample-to-Answer molecular platform integrates nucleic acid extraction, amplification, detection, and result reporting into an automated workflow.
The Eudemon™ AIO800 supports a broad range of Macro & Micro-Test PCR assays, from targeted viral detection to multiplex respiratory pathogen testing and antimicrobial resistance gene detection—all within an integrated Sample-to-Answer workflow.
HWTS-RT060 | SARS-CoV-2/Influenza A/Influenza B Nucleic Acid Combined Detection Kit
A targeted molecular testing solution for three major respiratory viral targets, offering a focused option for respiratory pathogen identification.
HWTS-RT177 | Six Respiratory Pathogens Nucleic Acid Detection Kit
Detects RSV, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This panel offers broader coverage of selected viral and bacterial pathogens.
HWTS-RT196 | 14 Kinds of Respiratory Pathogens Nucleic Acid Detection Kit
Provides a broader panel covering SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, RSV, adenovirus, selected bacterial pathogens, parainfluenza viruses, seasonal coronaviruses, and other listed respiratory targets.
This option supports wider respiratory pathogen investigation when a broader diagnostic panel is appropriate.
From targeted detection to broader multiplex panels, these assays offer different options for respiratory pathogen investigation on the Eudemon™ AIO800 platform. Selection should reflect the clinical question, intended use, and local requirements.
3. Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance
When bacterial infection or antimicrobial resistance is suspected, additional microbiological investigation may be necessary.
HWTS-OT149 | Carbapenem Resistance Gene Detection Kit | AIO800-compatible
Targets six carbapenemase genes: KPC, NDM, OXA-48, OXA-23, VIM, and IMP. Targeted resistance gene detection can complement other microbiological investigations when assessing suspected resistant bacterial infections.
Supporting More Informed Infection Management
Antimicrobial stewardship requires collaboration among clinicians, microbiology laboratories, and diagnostic providers. Appropriate testing can contribute to pathogen identification, investigation of possible co-infections, and assessment of resistance risks.
By combining rapid antigen tests with a broad PCR portfolio compatible with the Eudemon™ AIO800 Sample-to-Answer platform, Macro & Micro-Test provides diagnostic options for different testing needs.
Precise Diagnosis Shapes A Better Life.
Related Products | More Testing Options
Reference
Dona D, Guure C, Chaillon A, Thwin SS, Zumla A, Rylance J, Silva R, Diaz J, Bertagnolio S. Antibiotic overuse and mortality in patients hospitalised for COVID-19: a global cohort study. The Lancet Microbe. Published October 23, 2026.
Post time: Oct-27-2026