Researchers have developed a breath test that can accurately identify bacterial infections, a breakthrough that could help curb unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. The study, led by scientists from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, was published in the journal JAMA Network Open on March 18, 2026.
The test analyzes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a patient's breath, which differ between bacterial and viral infections. In the clinical trial involving over 500 children, the test demonstrated high accuracy in distinguishing bacterial lower respiratory tract infections from viral ones and non-infectious inflammation.
This non-invasive diagnostic tool could enable clinicians to make faster, more precise treatment decisions at the point of care. The researchers emphasize that reducing the misuse of antibiotics for viral infections is a critical step in combating antimicrobial resistance, a major global public health threat.
The technology is now moving toward larger-scale validation and regulatory review. If successful, it could become a standard tool in clinics and emergency departments, transforming the diagnostic approach to common respiratory illnesses.
