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Multiple viral respiratory pathogens in children with bronchiolitis

Hilary E Stempel1, Emily T Martin, Jane Kuypers

  • 1Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|September 13, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study found a high frequency of viral pathogens and co-infections in young children diagnosed with bronchiolitis. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was most common, often appearing with other viruses.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Respiratory Illnesses

Background:

  • Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection in infants and young children.
  • Accurate identification of viral pathogens is crucial for understanding disease epidemiology and management.
  • Molecular diagnostic methods offer enhanced sensitivity for pathogen detection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of viral pathogens in young children with bronchiolitis.
  • To investigate the prevalence of viral co-infections in this patient group.
  • To describe the spectrum of viruses identified using molecular diagnostics.

Main Methods:

  • Nasal wash specimens were collected from children under two years old diagnosed with bronchiolitis.
  • Real-time PCR and fluorescent-antibody assays were employed for viral detection.
  • Data was collected during the respiratory season from October 2003 to April 2004.

Main Results:

  • A high detection rate of viruses (93%) was observed in children with bronchiolitis.
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the predominant pathogen (77%), followed by adenovirus and human metapneumovirus.
  • Viral co-infections were frequent, with 23% of children having multiple viruses detected, and 24% of RSV cases co-infected with another virus.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular diagnostics reveal a high incidence of viral infections and co-infections in pediatric bronchiolitis.
  • The role of non-RSV viruses and RSV co-infections in bronchiolitis requires further investigation.
  • These findings highlight the complexity of viral etiologies in young children with bronchiolitis.
Abstract

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