Ultrasound for the diagnosis of infectious diseases: Approach to the patient at point of care and at secondary level

• Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for infectious diseases can be performed promptly at the bedside.
• POCUS is useful to look for infectious foci and perform ultrasound-guided procedures.
• Future challenges for an infectious diseases specialist include gaining experience about the appropriate use of ultrasound.

SummaryBedside ultrasound evaluation for infection can be performed promptly at the bedside, using simple equipment and without irradiation. Visualization of the foci often enables prompt antimicrobial therapy and even early ultrasound-guided procedure, facilitating earlier confirmation. These procedures are made safer using the real-time visual control that ultrasound provides. Future challenges for an infectious diseases specialist include gaining experience about the appropriate use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). Ultrasonography training is required to ensure competent use of this technology.