Analysis of viral pathogens of acute respiratory tract infection in 643 children in Shanghai

Abstract

Objective To explore the viral pathogens of acute respiratory tract infection in Shanghai, and to provide reference data for diagnosis and treatment. Methods Between January 2012 and December 2013, 643 nasopharyngeal aspiration (NPA) samples were collected from children who had been hospitalized for acute respiratory tract infection at Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, the Ninth People′s Hospital, Affiliated to Medical College of Shanghai Jiaotong University School and Putuo District Center Hospital Shanghai, China.Human rhinoviruses, Respiratory syncytial virus, Adenovirus, Influenza viruses A and B, Parainfluenza viruses 1-4, Human metapneumovirus, Human bocavirus, Human coronavirus HKU1 and Human coronavirus NL-63 were detected by reverse transcirption-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods.Epidemiology and clinical manifestations of each virus were analyzed. Results Six hundred and forty-three NPAs samples were collected from children (402 boys, 241 girls) with ARTI, The mean age was 12 months(range from 11 days to 12 years). Viral pathogens were identified in 369 (57.4%) samples.RSV was the highest detection rate in 2012 and ADV was the highest detection rate in 2013, HCoV-NL63 was not detected.6 months to 1 year old age group virus detection rate was highest, along with the age growth, virus detection rate was falling, virus detection throughout the year, diagnosis includes upper and lower respiratory tract infection. Conclusions Viral pathogens are the main etiology of ARTI in children in Shanghai area.RSV and ADV are the most frequent viral pathogens. Key words: Children; Acute respiratory tract infections; Viral etiology; Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; Polymerase chain reaction