Duke University Medical Center researchers came up with a highly accurate gene expression assay that can help distinguish between viral and bacteria infections in patients with respiratory illnesses. Genome Web News reports that the blood test focused on 30 different genes that appear to be expressed differently in the blood of patients with acute respiratory virus infections. More clinical studies are needed, but the test could eventually help ensure patients get quicker and more accurate diagnoses and treatments, and also reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics on viral infections. Details are published in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Story (sub. req.) | Journal abstract