Comparative Evaluation of Sputum and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) Cultures in Clinically Suspected Cases of Community-Acquired Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Sputum culture serves as a reliable first-line diagnostic tool with high specificity, whereas BAL demonstrates superior sensitivity and pathogen yield. BAL should be considered in cases with negative or inconclusive sputum results to enhance diagnostic accuracy in lower respiratory tract infections.