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Infection

Lung Ultrasound May Help Distinguish Between Bacterial and Viral Pneumonia in Children

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A study published in Scientific Reports has investigated the effectiveness of lung point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in distinguishing between bacterial and viral etiologies in children with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). The research, conducted at Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital in Milano, Italy, included 162 children admitted with suspected LRTI and found that the lung POCUS score was significantly higher in bacterial infections compared to viral ones (mean score of 32 vs. 27.5). The study suggests that POCUS can be as effective as chest X-ray (CXR) in aiding diagnosis, providing a radiation-free alternative.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study investigated the association between lung POCUS characteristics and the etiologic diagnosis of LRTI in children.
  • A multicenter, prospective, observational study included 162 children admitted with suspected LRTI to three pediatric centers in Italy.
  • Lung POCUS was performed within six hours of clinical diagnosis, alongside collection of clinical, laboratory, microbiological, and radiological data.
  • Patients were stratified into groups based on presumed microbial etiology: bacterial pneumonia (confirmed or probable) and viral pneumonia (confirmed or probable).
  • The study found that the lung POCUS score was higher in bacterial infections compared to viral ones (mean score of 32 vs. 27.5, p
  • The study suggests that POCUS can be as effective as CXR in aiding diagnosis, providing solid evidence for a radiation-free alternative.
  • The research team, led by Anna Camporesi, included Rosa Morello, Cristina De Rose, Lorenzo Di Sarno, Luca Tagliaferri, Azzurra Orlandi, Mariantonietta Francavilla, Mariachiara Supino, Alberto Villani, Annamaria Caterina Musolino, and Danilo Buonsenso.

Statistics:

  • A total of 162 children were admitted to the study, with 90 diagnosed with viral pneumonia (74 confirmed, 16 probable) and 72 diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia (15 confirmed, 57 probable).
  • The lung POCUS score was significantly higher in bacterial infections compared to viral ones (mean score of 32 vs. 27.5, p
  • The study suggests that POCUS can be as effective as CXR in aiding diagnosis, providing a radiation-free alternative.

Sources:

  • Point-of-care lung ultrasound to differentiate bacterial and viral lower respiratory tract infections in pediatric age: a multicenter prospective observational study. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):35196.
  • Nature Portfolio. Heidelberger Platz 3, Berlin, 14197, Germany. (www.nature.com/)
  • NewsRx. Study Results from Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital in the Area of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Reported (Point-of-care lung ultrasound to differentiate bacterial and viral lower respiratory tract infections in pediatric age: a ...). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. October 20, 2025; p 747.

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