"Nanoparticle sensor can distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia: Using this diagnostic, doctors could avoid prescribing antibiotics in cases where they won't be effective"

Many different types of bacteria and viruses can cause pneumonia, but there is no easy way to determine which microbe is causing a particular patient's illness. This uncertainty makes it harder for doctors to choose effective treatments because the antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial pneumonia won't help patients with viral pneumonia. In addition, limiting the use of antibiotics is an important step toward curbing antibiotic resistance.