Abstract
Respiratory viruses are an extremely common cause of childhood morbidity. However, the current seroprevalence of viruses in infant populations is difficult to establish because invasive venipuncture may be technically and ethically unacceptable. This prospective study aimed to establish the seroprevalence of respiratory viruses in an infant population by use of a novel multiantigen fluorescence immunoassay against common respiratory viruses, using heel-prick blood samples collected on filter paper. Mothers and babies were recruited in the immediate peripartum period in the Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast. Cord blood samples at birth and heel-prick filter paper blood samples at 7 mo were collected for measurement of virus-specific IgG to respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A virus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza virus type 1, type 2, and type 3 by indirect immunofluorescence using a multiviral assay developed for this purpose. Of 386 mothers approached, 325 (84%) permitted follow-up at 7 mo, and of these, 256 (79%) agreed to the heel prick. From 234 paired samples, 125 infections were documented. Adenovirus infections were commonest, 53 (22.6%), followed by respiratory syncytial virus, 32 (13.7%); influenza A virus, 22 (9.4%); parainfluenza virus type 3, 14 (6%); parainfluenza virus type 1, 2 (0.85%); and parainfluenza virus type 2, 2 (0.85%). These results demonstrate the seroprevalence of a range of respiratory viruses in an infant population, using a novel multiviral immunoassay. The filter paper collection of blood samples and multiantigen assay format has implications for easy, widespread viral serodiagnosis in both seroepidemiology studies and in the diagnosis of pediatric viral illnesses. Filter paper permits recovery of respiratory virus-specific IgG and can be used as a simple and acceptable epidemiologic and diagnostic tool.
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