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Updated: Jul 21, 2026
Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
Using record linkage to examine testing patterns for respiratory viruses among children born in Western Australia
F J Lim1, C C Blyth1, A D Keil2
1Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia,PO Box 855, West Perth, Western Australia, 6872,Australia.
Insights
Respiratory virus testing in children increased significantly from 2000-2012, with molecular methods becoming dominant. This shift impacts disease burden estimates and requires careful interpretation of epidemiological studies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Changes in diagnostic testing practices can significantly alter disease burden estimations.
- Understanding trends in respiratory virus testing is crucial for accurate public health surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in respiratory virus testing patterns among children in Western Australia between 1996 and 2012.
- To identify factors influencing testing rates and compare detection methods over time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized linked data of children born 1996-2012, extracting respiratory specimen testing records from birth to age 9.
- Employed logistic regression to identify predictors of testing in hospitalized children.
- Compared respiratory virus detection methods (e.g., molecular) in nasal/nasopharyngeal specimens by age and year.
Main Results:
- Testing rates increased overall, with infants under 1 month showing the highest rates.
- Molecular testing rose from 5% to 87% between 2000-2012.
- The proportion of positive respiratory virus samples increased, particularly in children aged 2-9 years.
Conclusions:
- Respiratory virus testing practices have evolved substantially, marked by increased rates and a shift towards molecular methods.
- These changes necessitate careful consideration when interpreting historical and future epidemiological data on childhood respiratory illnesses.
- Findings aid in refining the assessment of pathogen-specific disease burden in children.
Abstract:
Changes in respiratory pathogen testing can affect disease burden estimates. Using linked data, we describe changes in respiratory virus testing among children born in Western Australia in 1996-2012. We extracted data on respiratory specimens from these children from birth to age 9 years. We estimated testing rates by age, year, Aboriginal status and geographical location. Predictors of testing among children hospitalised at least once before their 10th birthday were identified using logistic regression. We compared detection methods for respiratory viruses from nasal/nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens by age and year. Of 83 199 virology testing records in 2000-2012, 80% were nasal/NP specimens. Infants aged <1 month had the highest testing rates. Testing rates in all children increased over the study period with considerable yearly fluctuations. Among hospitalised children, premature children <32 weeks gestation had over three times the odds of being tested (95% CI 3·47-4·13) than those born at term. Testing using molecular methods increased from 5% to 87% over the study period. Proportion of positive samples increased from 36·3% to 44·4% (P < 0·01); this change was greatest in children aged 2-9 years. These findings will assist in interpreting results from future epidemiology studies assessing the pathogen-specific burden of disease.
