Characteristics Of Respiratory Virus Infection Research Articles

Planning cells in technology research and development – participation for a multisensory screening system in the hospital context

Mini-public participation procedures with random selection have a long tradition in parliamentary technology assessment and acceptance research. Less documented is their potential in the area of research-based development of technical innovations. This article marks a contribution to that area and discusses the application of planning cells for a citizens’ report for the participatory development of a multisensory screening system that, in the context of a global health crisis, shall contactlessly detect characteristics of respiratory virus infections to protect critical hospital infrastructures. Randomly selected citizens and clinic personnel from the Homburg region in Saarland, Germany, deliberated on the framework conditions for the AI-based data processing and ethical aspects of the so-called VI-screen system. This evaluation demonstrates how the structural anchoring of the method in an early phase of the development process was conducive for the competent researchers to incorporate the knowledge – and discussion-based recommendations of the participants, potentially increasing the social connectivity, diffusion, and responsible application of the VI-screen system in the future. Based on a critical assessment, potential adjustments to the standard participation procedure are derived in order to increase its potential for future use in research-based technology development.

Characteristics of respiratory virus infections in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients, a prospective study, Bern, Switzerland, 2015–2017

Background The epidemiology of respiratory virus infections (RVI) in patients undergoing autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) is not well described. Methods Our goal was to describe the epidemiology of respiratory virus infections (RVI) in patients undergoing autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) in a single tertiary centre observation study during two respiratory virus seasons (2015–2017). All symptomatic auto-SCT patients were tested for RVI by nasopharyngeal swab. Results 156 transplantation episodes were included, 69% were male and, the median age was 57 years. We detected 19 RVIs in 156 transplantation episodes (12%). The median time to RVI after hospitalization was 13 days [IQR 7–13] and 15/19 (79%) had a possible nosocomial origin (occurrence ≥ 5 days after admission). The nosocomial infections included 5/15 (33%) ‘severe’ RVIs (3 influenza viruses, 1 parainfluenza virus, and 1 adenovirus) as well as 10/15 (66%) non-severe virus infections (including human rhinovirus and human coronavirus). Conclusion In approximately 10% of auto-SCT transplantation episodes, an RVI with likely nosocomial origin was detected and included ‘severe viruses’ such as influenza. Our study suggests that infection prevention measures in auto-SCT patients can be improved. Abbreviations AdV: adenovirus; ALL: acute lymphatic leukaemia; AML: acute myeloid leukaemia; auto-SCT: autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation; hCoV: human coronavirus; HD: Hodgkin’s disease; hMPV: human metapneumovirus; HRV: human rhinovirus; HSCT: allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation; IQR: interquartile range; GCT: germ cell tumour; MM: multiple myeloma; NHL: non-Hodgkin lymphoma; PIV: parainfluenza virus; RSV: respiratory syncytial virus

Characteristics of respiratory virus infection during the outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus in Beijing

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading. Here, we summarized the composition of pathogens in fever clinic patients and analyzed the characteristics of different respiratory viral infections. MethodsRetrospectively collected patients with definite etiological results using nasal and pharyngeal swabs in a fever clinic. ResultsOverall, 1860 patients were screened, and 136 patients were enrolled. 72 (52.94%) of them were diagnosed as influenza (Flu) A virus infection. 32 (23.53%) of them were diagnosed as Flu B virus infection. 18 (13.24%) and 14 (10.29%) of them were diagnosed as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, respectively. The COVID-19 group had a higher rate of contact with the epidemic area within 14 days and of clustering onset than other groups. Fever was the most common symptom in these patients. The ratio of fever to the highest temperature was higher in Flu A virus infection patients than in COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients had a lower white blood cell count and neutrophil count than Flu A virus and RSV infection groups, but higher lymphocyte count than Flu A and B virus infection groups. The COVID-19 group (83.33%) had a higher rate of pneumonia in chest CT scans than Flu A and B virus infection groups. ConclusionsInfluenza viruses accounted for a large proportion of respiratory virus infection even during the epidemic of COVID-19 in Beijing. No single symptom or laboratory finding was suggestive of a specific respiratory virus; however, epidemic history was significant for the screening of COVID-19.

Characteristics of Respiratory Virus Infection During the Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Beijing

Background: 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is spreading in China and the disease was named as COVID-19, short for “coronavirus disease 2019”. However, other respiratory viruses also cause similar symptoms as COVID-19 does. Here, we summarized the composition of pathogens in fever clinic patients and analyzed characteristics of different respiratory viruses infection. Methods: Retrospectively collected patients with definite etiological results using nasal and pharyngeal swabs in fever clinic. Epidemiologic features, clinical presentation, laboratory findings and image features were collected and analyzed. Results: Totally, 1860 patients were screened and 136 patients were enrolled in the study. 72 (52.94%) of them were diagnosed as influenza (Flu) A virus infection. 32 (23.53%) of the patients were diagnosed as Flu B virus infection. 18 (13.24%) and 14 (10.29%) of the patients were diagnosed as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection respectively. COVID-19 group had a higher rate of contact with epidemic area within 14 days and clustering onset than other groups (P<0.05). Fever was the most common symptom in the respiratory virus infection patients. The ratio of fever and the highest temperature were higher in Flu A virus infection patients than in COVID-19 patients (P<0.05). COVID-19 patients had lower white blood cell (WBC) count and neutrophil count than Flu A virus and RSV infection group (P<0.05), but higher lymphocyte count than Flu A and B virus infection groups (P<0.05). C-reactive protein was higher in RSV infection group than in COVID-19 and Flu B infection group, but was not statistically different in Flu A and B infection and COVID-19 groups. COVID-19 group (83.33%) had a higher rate of pneumonia in chest CT scan than Flu A and B virus infection group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Influenza viruses accounted for a large proportion of respiratory virus infection even during the epidemic of 2019-nCoV. No single symptom or laboratory finding was suggestive of a specific respiratory virus, however, epidemic history was important to the screening of COVID-19. Funding Statement: The study was funded by CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (2017- I2M-1-009). Declaration of Interests: The authors stated: None. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the institutional review board committee of Peking Union Medical College Hospital and informed consent was taken from all the patients.

Different epidemiological characteristics of respiratory virus infections in children and adults

Different epidemiological characteristics of respiratory virus infections in children and adults

Clinical characteristics of respiratory virus infection in children admitted to an intensive care unit

Purpose: To investigate the clinical characteristics and the risk factors for mechanical ventilator treatment and incidence of complications in children admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with detected respiratory viruses. Methods: Eighty-two patients who were detected respiratory viruses by multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction from nasopharyngeal aspirates were enrolled among the 123 children admitted to ICU with acute respiratory manifestations during the study period from January 2006 to December 2012. Results: Detection rate of respiratory viruses were 66% and 13 patients (16%) had two viruses isolated. The most common respiratory virus isolated was respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (35%) followed by rhinovirus (19%), adenovirus (13%), parainfluenza virus (11%), influenza virus (11%), human metapneumovirus (6%), and human coronavirus (5%). Pneumonia (70%) was the most common clinical diagnosis. The mean age of patient with RSV infection was the youngest and with influenza virus infection was the oldest among other viruses infection (mean ± standard deviation, 5.9 ± 10.1 months vs. 51.0 ± 26.1 months; P= 0.01). Forty Patients (49%) who had the underlying diseases were not associated with incidence of mechanical ventilator treatment and complications. Bacterial coinfection with respiratory virus was the significant risk factor of mechanical ventilator care and incidence of complications (odds ratio [OR], 50.003; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.955–632.144; P= 0.003, and OR, 15,569; 95% CI, 1.803–134.452; P= 0.013). Conclusion: The significant morbidity of pediatric patient admitted to ICU with respiratory virus infection (RVI) was associated with bacterial coinfection. Furthermore, multicenter study should be performed to investigate the epidemiology of RVI in pediatric patients admitted to ICU in domestic. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2013;1:370-376)

Characteristics and the prevalence of respiratory viruses and the correlation with climatic factors of hospitalized children in Suzhou children's hospital

To study the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory virus infection and its relations to climatic factors in Suzhou. From 2006 to 2009, viral etiology surveillance was conducted among 6655 children hospitalized with acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs). Direct immunofluorescence method was used to test respiratory secretion samples for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses A and B (Inf-A, Inf-B), parainfluenza virus types I, II, and III (Pinf-I, Pinf-II, Pinf-III) and adenovirus. Samples were tested for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Samples from Jan 2006 to Dec 2009 were also tested for human bocavirus (HBoV). Climatic factors, including mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall amount, sum of sunshine and mean wind velocity were collected monthly. The relationship between activity of each virus and climatic factors were analyzed by linear regression and stepwise regression analysis. From 2006 to 2009, in the total virus detection rate was 32.2% (2142/6655) in Suzhou. RSV was the most common virus and the average detection rate was 15.7% (1048/6655), followed by hMPV 8.9% (596/6655), HBoV 7.8% (148/1883), Pinf-III 2.7% (183/6655), Inf-A 2.4% (161/6655), ADV 1.3% (89/6655), Pinf-I 0.4% (29/6655), Inf-B 0.37% (25/6655) and Pinf-II 0.16% (11/6655). The positive rates of RSV, hMPV and ADV were significantly different in four years (χ(2) = 17.71, 33.23, 8.42, all P values < 0.05). Different virus has different epidemiological characteristics and distinct seasonality. The detection rate of RSV, hMPV, Inf-A were higher in Winter as 37.2%, 13.2%, 4.4%, respectively. ADV and Pinf-III were higher in summer as 2.3% and 4.6% respectively. The peak of HBoV existed in Autumn as 3.3%. The total virus detection rate showed significant inverse correlation with month average temperature (r = -0.732, P < 0.001) and a weak inverse correlation with average wind velocity was also found (r = -0.36, 0.01 < P < 0.05). The highest month total virus detection rate was from 47.6% to 84.4% when average temperature was from 3.2°C to 9.4°C and mean wind velocity was from 1.2 - 1.9 m/s. The associations of average temperature, sum of sunshine and wind velocity with RSV activity were statistical significant (r = -0.88, P < 0.001; r = -0.43, P < 0.01; r = -0.47, P < 0.01). The highest rate was from 24.3% to 58.2%, when mean temperature was from 5.3°C to 19.9°C, mean wind velocity was from 1.3 - 2.4 m/s and sum of sunshine was 61.0 to 153.4 hours. hMPV detection rate was inversely correlated with mean temperature and rain account (r = -0.43, P < 0.01; r = -0.29, P < 0.05). The rate was highest from 11.7% to 31.6% when mean temperature was from 5.3°C to 21.9°C and rain account was from 27.5 millimeter to 150.9 millimeter. Only mean temperature was positively correlated with Pinf-III (r = 0.53, P < 0.001). The rate was from 2.8% to 7.2% when mean temperature was between 11.9°C and 30.4°C. ADV detection rate was positively correlated with mean temperature and sum of sunshine, but negatively correlated with wind velocity (r = 0.35, P < 0.05; r = 0.30, P < 0.05; r = -0.32, P < 0.05). The rate was from 2.2% to 6.6% when mean temperature was between 15.9°C and 30.4°C, and sum of sunshine between 93 hours to 240.7 hours and mean wind velocity was from 1.1 - 2.8 m/s. Average temperature and relative humidity showed interactions on the detection rate of ADV (r = 0.36, P = 0.0093; r = -0.34, P = 0.016), but temperature showed higher effect on ADV detection rate. ADV detection rate was high at higher temperature (15.9 - 30.4°C) and low humidity (56% - 71%). RSV was one of the most common viruses among hospitalized children in Suzhou, and hMPV and HBoV also played an important role in respiratory tract infection of children. Different virus has different cycle and seasonality. Climatic factors, especially mean temperature, was the main factor affecting the virus prevalence.

Epidemiology of Respiratory Viral Infection in 2004-2006

The information on the incidence, seasonal variation and clinical pattern of respiratory virus infections is very important for clinicians in managing their patients. This study was aimed to define the epidemiology of respiratory viral pathogens in Seoul and the neighboring areas from March 2004 to February 2006. A total of 6,533 specimens were cultured for respiratory viruses during the study period. Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK), LLC-MK2, and HEp-2 cells, or R-mix cells (Diagnostic Hybrids Inc., Athens, Ohio, USA) were used for culture. Influenza virus types A & B (Inf A & B), parainfluenza virus (PIV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenovirus (ADV) were identified by indirect immuno-fluorescent staining. Medical records of the patients with positive virus cultures were reviewed retrospectively. One or more viral agents were isolated from 1682 specimens (25.7%). The pathogens identified were RSV 37.2%, ADV 19.9%, Inf A 18.9%, PIV 17.5% and Inf B 6.4%. The most frequent pathogen of pneumonia and acute bronchiolitis was RSV and that of croup was PIV. Upper respiratory tract infections were more prevalent in adults and the most frequently caused by influenza virus. Influenza virus itself was more frequently isolated in children less than six years old, which was different from previous reports. Influenza virus was mostly isolated in the winter and spring, while RSV was usually isolated from early fall with a peak incidence in the winter. Inf A and RSV showed a dampening effect on the occurrence of other viruses during their major epidemic. PIV was mostly detected in the spring and summer. ADV was isolated throughout the whole year. The epidemiological characteristics of respiratory virus infections in Seoul and the neighboring areas in 2004-2006, were similar to the findings of previous reports except for some minor changes. These findings could be useful to clinicians in managing their patients.