Causative role of infections with viruses or atypical pathogens in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis less frequent than expected
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-1 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.
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