Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
High-throughput Detection Method for Influenza Virus
Published on: February 4, 2012
Detection of Respiratory Syncytial Virus using Direct Fluorescent Antibody Assay in Paediatric Patients with Acute
Roopa Bhandary1, Rekha Boloor2
1Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, AJ Institute of Medical Sciences , Kuntikana, Mangalore, Karnataka, India .
Insights
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes significant childhood illness. This study found RSV in 22% of hospitalized children with Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARTI), with wheezing and breathlessness as key symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Respiratory viral infections
- Public health
Background:
- Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) pulmonary disease, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, is a major contributor to childhood mortality and morbidity.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of RSV in hospitalized children with Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARTI) is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the occurrence of RSV-related respiratory tract infections in pediatric patients.
- To identify associated risk factors and clinical features of RSV infection in children.
- To evaluate the utility of Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) staining for rapid RSV detection.
Main Methods:
- 100 nasopharyngeal aspirates from hospitalized children under 5 with ARTI were collected.
- RSV antigen detection was performed using Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) staining.
- Clinical features and risk factors were assessed in relation to RSV infection.
Main Results:
- RSV was detected in 22% (22 out of 100) of the samples, with a mean age of 12 months and a male to female ratio of 1.75:1.
- Wheezing and breathlessness were clinical features significantly associated with RSV infection.
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) and prematurity were identified as significant risk factors for RSV infection.
Conclusions:
- RSV infection is a significant cause of morbidity in children with ARTI.
- DFA staining is an effective tool for rapid RSV detection, especially in resource-limited settings.
- Rapid RSV diagnosis can potentially reduce hospitalization duration and unnecessary antibiotic use.
Introduction:
Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) pulmonary disease manifesting as bronchiolitis and pneumonia continues to play a major role in the childhood mortality and morbidity. Hence the present study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of RSV among hospitalized children presenting with Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARTI) and its correlation with risk factors.
Aim:
To determine the occurrence of RSV related respiratory tract infection in paediatric patients and to access the risk factors and clinical features associated.
Materials And Methods:
RSV antigen detection was performed by Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) staining on 100 nasopharyngeal aspirate collected from hospitalized children below 5 years of age with a diagnosis of ARTI.
Results:
Out of the 100 samples tested for RSV with DFA, 22 (22%) were found RSV positive with a mean age of 12 months and a male to female ratio of (1.75:1). Clinical features significantly associated with RSV were wheezing and breathlessness. Congenital heart disease (CHD) and prematurity were the risk factors significantly associated with RSV infection.
Conclusion:
RSV infection is a significant cause of morbidity among children presenting with ARTI. In resource limited countries DFA can be used as an important tool for rapid detection of RSV and can potentially eliminate prolonged hospitalization and unnecessary use of antibiotics.
