Detecting respiratory viruses in children with protracted bacterial bronchitis

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Yuqing Wang1, Chuangli Hao1, Wei Ji1

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Jingde Road No. 303, Suzhou, 215003, China.

Respiratory Medicine
|May 4, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory viruses are found in children with persistent bacterial bronchitis (PBB), but the study found no evidence that these viruses cause PBB. Bacterial detection was significantly higher in PBB patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Persistent bacterial bronchitis (PBB) is a common condition in children.
  • The role of respiratory viruses in the pathogenesis of PBB remains unclear.
  • Understanding viral and bacterial co-infections is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of respiratory viruses in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of children diagnosed with PBB.
  • To compare viral and bacterial detection rates in children with PBB versus controls with persistent pneumonia.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 68 children with PBB and 35 controls (persistent or chronic pneumonia) aged 3 months to 5 years.
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were analyzed for respiratory virus detection using molecular methods.
  • Bacterial culture was performed on BALF samples.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial detection in BALF was significantly higher in the PBB group (61.8%) compared to controls (20%, P < 0.001).
  • Respiratory viruses were detected in 23.5% of PBB patients and 28.6% of controls, with no significant difference between groups (P = 0.577).
  • Commonly detected viruses included rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus type 3, and respiratory syncytial virus.

Conclusions:

  • Respiratory viruses are detectable in the BALF of children with PBB.
  • Current evidence does not support a direct virus-induced etiology for PBB.
  • The higher bacterial load in PBB patients highlights the importance of bacterial pathogens in this condition.
Abstract

Keywords:
BacteriaBroncho-alveolar lavageChildrenProtracted bacterial bronchitisVirus

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