Diagnostic Differentiation of Allergic Respiratory Syndromes and Atypical Pneumonia in Mixed Infections: Clinical and Immunological Approaches

Abstract

Accurate differentiation between allergic respiratory syndromes and atypical pneumonia in mixed infectious conditions remains a major diagnostic challenge in clinical practice. This study analyzed 150 patients with combined respiratory pathology to determine key clinical, laboratory, and immunological markers for differential diagnosis. Findings revealed that elevated peripheral eosinophil counts, increased total and allergen-specific IgE, and high IL-4 levels were characteristic of allergic respiratory syndromes, whereas elevated CRP, procalcitonin, IL-6, and positive Mycoplasma or Chlamydia PCR were indicative of atypical pneumonia. ROC curve analysis confirmed strong diagnostic reliability of these markers, with composite AUC > 0.92. Integration of cytokine profiling and CD4/CD8 ratio analysis enhanced the precision of differential diagnostics. The study underscores the value of an integrated immunological and molecular diagnostic approach to improve the accuracy and timeliness of treatment in patients with co-existing respiratory disorders.