Correction: Evaluating the Clinical Application of a Host-Protein Assay

Overview

This report corrects errors in the previously published table regarding the clinical utility of a host-protein assay, MeMed BV, in pediatric emergency settings. The corrected data highlights the assay's role in reducing inappropriate antibiotic use and improving patient outcomes.

Background

Accurate diagnosis of infections in pediatric emergency departments is crucial to avoid unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. The MeMed BV assay aims to differentiate between bacterial and viral infections, potentially guiding more appropriate treatment. Understanding its real-world application can enhance clinical decision-making and patient care in emergency settings.

Data Highlights

The original Table 1 contained inaccuracies regarding patient demographics and clinical characteristics. The corrected table provides accurate data on inpatient and outpatient populations, stratified by various clinical factors.

Key Findings

• The MeMed BV assay effectively distinguishes between bacterial and viral infections in pediatric patients.
• Post-implementation, antibiotic prescribing for outpatients with viral BV scores decreased significantly from 20.3% to 7.5% (p=0.007).
• In a lower respiratory tract infection subcohort, antibiotic prescribing decreased from 84.0% to 67.9% (p=0.002).
• Despite more severe presentations in the post-implementation group, the mean hospital length of stay decreased from 3.6 to 3.1 days (p<0.001).
• The corrected data in Table 1 clarifies previous inaccuracies regarding patient demographics and clinical characteristics.

Clinical Implications

The corrected findings underscore the importance of accurate diagnostic tools like the MeMed BV assay in pediatric emergency care. By reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, clinicians can improve patient outcomes and contribute to antibiotic stewardship efforts.

Conclusion

The correction of data in the study reinforces the clinical utility of the MeMed BV assay in pediatric emergency settings, highlighting its potential to optimize treatment decisions and enhance patient care.

Related Resources & Content

1. Nir V, Schichter Konfino V, et al., Front. Pediatr., 2026 -- Clinical utility of a host-protein test for suspected infection in the pediatric emergency department: a pragmatic pre-/post-implementation study
2. Open Forum Infectious Diseases — Evaluating the Health Benefits and Economic Implications of a Point-of-Care Diagnostic for Neonatal Sepsis and Serious Bacterial Infections in Infants: A Modeling Study Across Two Environments
3. Open Forum Infectious Diseases — Real-world Use of Molecular Point-of-care Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in the Emergency Department: Why It Matters for Acute Care Management
4. Infection — Assessment of a host-protein signature score for distinguishing bacterial from viral infections: insights from a tertiary care facility in Germany
5. Surviving Sepsis Campaign International Guidelines for the Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock in Children 2026
6. NICE Guidelines on suspected sepsis in under 16s
7. Frontiers | Clinical utility of a host-protein test for suspected infection in the pediatric emergency department: a pragmatic pre-/post-implementation study
8. P-2246. Diagnostic Performance of a Rapid Host-Protein Test (MeMed BV) In Detecting Bacteremia in Children | Open Forum Infectious Diseases | Oxford Academic
9. Use of a Host-Protein Test for Pediatric Acute Infections at Urgent Care Centers | CoLab
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