Rna determinants for distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections

Abstract

Methods of determining infection type are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises measuring the amount of a determinant which is set forth in Tables 1 or 2 in a sample derived from the subject, wherein said amount is indicative of the infection type.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating a viral infection comprising:
 (a) confirming that a subject has a viral infection in a subject comprising measuring the amount of an RNA which is set forth in Table 1 in a sample derived from the subject, wherein when the amount of said RNA set forth in Table 1 is above a predetermined level, it is confirmed that the subject has a viral infection; and   (b) administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an antiviral agent.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said RNA is CEACAM 1 or PSTPIP2. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising measuring the amount of at least one additional RNA to confirm said viral infection, wherein said at least one additional RNA is set forth in any one of Tables 1-6A or 15A-B. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said at least one additional RNA is set forth in Table 15A to confirm said viral infection. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising analyzing the expression level of CRP polypeptide or TRAIL polypeptide in said sample. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sample is whole blood or a fraction thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein no more than 20 RNA determinants are measured. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein no more than 5 RNA determinants are measured. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said fraction comprises cells selected from the group consisting of lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said fraction comprises serum or plasma. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the viral infection is a respiratory infection. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject displays at least one symptom of an infection. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said at least one symptom comprises a fever.