Journal: |
Journal of Medical Histology
Saudi Medical Journal
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Abstract: |
Objectives: To investigate 15 respiratory viruses in
children with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs)
using multiplex reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain
reaction (RT-PCR), and to analyze the clinical and
epidemiological features of these viruses. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 135 children, ≤5 years
of age who presented with ARTIs in Najran Maternity
and Children Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia between
October 2012 and July 2013 were included. The clinical
and sociodemographic data, and the laboratory results
were recorded using a standardized questionnaire. Two
nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from each child:
one for bacteriological examination, and the second for
viral detection using multiplex RT-PCR.
Results: A single viral pathogen was detected in 76
patients, viral coinfections in 9, and mixed viral and
bacterial pathogens in 15. Respiratory syncytial virus
was isolated in 33 patients, human rhinovirus (hRV) in
22, adenovirus (AdV) in 19, human metapneumovirus
in 13, influenza virus in 10, parainfluenza virus in 7,
human corona virus (hCoV) in 4, and human bocavirus
in one.
Conclusion: Respiratory syncytial virus, hRV, and AdV
were the most frequent viruses, accounting for more
than two-thirds of the cases. Other viruses, such as
MPV, hCoV NL63, and hCoV OC43, may play a role
in pediatric ARTIs. Of significance is the potential use
of multiplex RT-PCR to provide epidemiological and
virological data for early detection of the emergence of
novel respiratory viruses in the era of the Middle East
respiratory syndrome coronavirus.
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