The value of common blood parameters for the differential diagnosis of respiratory tract infections in children.

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumoniae and influenza A virus are common pathogens that cause respiratory tract infection in children. Both pathogens present with similar clinical symptoms, and their epidemic periods often overlap. Consequently, it is challenging for clinicians to make a rapid preliminary diagnosis. However, common blood tests is simple and efficient, Therefore, the purpose of this study is to preliminarily distinguish Mycoplasma pneumoniae and influenza A virus infection in children by analyzing the results of common blood tests, thereby guiding clinical diagnosis and treatment.The results showed that, compared with children in the influenza A virus-positive group, children in the Mycoplasma pneumoniae-positive group had higher white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), platelet (PLT) counts, lymphocyte (LYM) and eosinophil (EOS) counts and ratios, as well as higher concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA), while neutrophil (NEU) and monocyte (MONO) counts and ratios, Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio( NLR) were lower, in addition, LYM, EOS counts and ratios, and NLR were all more effective in differentiating between the two pathogen infections, A combined analysis of these indicators further improved the differentiation efficacy. Therefore, LYM and EOS counts and ratios, along with NLR, can serve as effective blood parameters for differentiating Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections from influenza A virus infections in children.