Apnoea, dyspnoea and wheezing in primary lower respiratory infections due to human rhinovirus in Japanese infants

Abstract

Human rhinovirus (HRV) is generally recognized as a common cold agent, but it can be associated with severe acute respiratory infection and result in illnesses such as pneumonia. Here, we report on manifestations of severe respiratory infection, including apnoea, dyspnoea and wheezing, that might have been due to primary HRV infection, in two Japanese infants. Although both cases had a good outcome, the infants, a 40‐day‐old male and 2‐month‐old male, displayed the aforementioned symptoms with life‐threatening bronchitis and hyperinflation, and received aggressive respiratory care (intubation or oxygen tent). HRV alone was detected in respiratory specimens. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis of the detected HRV revealed strains that are prevalent in various countries (HRV‐A, genotype HRV‐96 and HRV‐C, genotype HRV‐C46). The results suggest that, besides respiratory syncytial virus, primary HRV infection in infants can be associated with severe respiratory symptoms such as apnoea, dyspnoea and wheezing in lower respiratory infections, although these cases may be rare.