Evaluation of Culture Negative Severe Acute Respiratory Infection in Mexico

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of identifying novel etiologic agents associated with SARI in patients who have required intubation and in whom, after analysis, a causative agent was not identified by standard microbiologic (culture) and multiplex real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) platforms. Taking into account that isolation of any pathogens is generally time sensitive, the study will evaluate subjects that are culture negative at the time of consent. Not all subjects will actually prove to be culture negative. Additionally, the study will compare etiologic agents identified on broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) to etiologic agents identified by routine upper airway testing on all subjects with SARI.