Explore the latest advancements in biomarkers for infectious diseases in this comprehensive physician grand rounds presentation. Delve into the challenges of optimal antimicrobial use and the difficulties in diagnosing bacterial infections. Compare various clinical biomarkers, with a focus on procalcitonin (PCT) and its advantages. Examine PCT's effectiveness in community-acquired pneumonia and its application outside research settings. Investigate the use of PCT in sepsis diagnosis and management, including the PRORATA trial results. Evaluate the cost-effectiveness and outcomes of PCT use in clinical practice. Learn about a randomized controlled trial on serum procalcitonin measurement and viral testing for guiding antibiotic use in respiratory infections. Discover other emerging biomarkers of infection, including a 2-transcript host RNA signature for discriminating bacterial vs. viral infections in febrile children. Gain valuable insights and final thoughts on the future of biomarkers in infectious disease management. Read more