Yoshii Y, et al. - This study represents an attempt to detect pathogens during acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma (AEBA) by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) vs conventional methods. As a tool for detecting infectious pathogens in patients with AEBA, real-time PCR displayed more usefulness than conventional methods and afforded accurate detection of pathogens, which in turn, may allow the selection of appropriate anti-bacterial/viral agents as a part of the treatment for AEBA.