BC-AZ--Infections-Research/127
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Univ. of Arizona participating in infant infections research

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — University of Arizona medical researchers are participating in a nationwide study to find an improved way to better treat infants with serious infections.

The College of Medicine says the goal of the study being conducted by a federally funded research consortium is to validate a test to rapidly determine whether an infection is bacterial or not.

Dr. Aaron Leetch of the Department of Emergency Medicine says that determination could shorten hospital stays for ill babies and avoid painful procedures by helping physicians better understand what is causing fevers.

The University of Arizona's emergency medicine department is one of 18 participating in the study.

Wayne State University in Michigan is the principal site for the study funded by a National Institutes of Health grant.

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