Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2025
Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
Published on: January 30, 2017
Usefulness of rapid molecular tests in pediatric respiratory tract infections
Simona Nardi1, Lorella Carolis1, Roberta Iannini1
1Department of Pediatrics, Sandro Pertini Hospital - ASL RM2, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Nasopharyngeal swabs accurately detected respiratory viruses in children, significantly reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. This rapid diagnostic approach improved treatment decisions without increasing hospitalizations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Respiratory tract infections are common in children.
- Over-prescription of antibiotics contributes to antimicrobial resistance.
- Accurate viral diagnostics can guide appropriate treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of nasopharyngeal swabs for detecting Influenza A and B viruses and Respiratory syncytial virus.
- To evaluate the impact of rapid viral testing on antibiotic prescribing practices in pediatric emergency care.
- To determine if viral diagnostics can prevent unnecessary antibiotic use.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case-control study was conducted in a pediatric emergency room.
- Children under 14 with respiratory infections were analyzed.
- Group 1 (2016-2018) did not receive swabs; Group 2 (2018-2020) received nasopharyngeal swabs for rapid viral testing.
Main Results:
- The study included 386 children (174 in Group 1, 212 in Group 2).
- The odds of receiving an antibiotic were 9.21 times higher in children without swabs compared to those with swabs (p < 0.001).
- Hospitalization rates did not significantly differ between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Nasopharyngeal swabs are effective for diagnosing Influenza A/B and RSV in children.
- Rapid viral detection via swabs significantly reduces antibiotic prescriptions.
- This diagnostic strategy supports appropriate antibiotic stewardship in pediatric emergency settings.
Objective:
To evaluate the role and the advantages of nasopharyngeal swabs in the detection of Influenza A and B viruses and Respiratory syncytial virus through a rapid test based upon a nucleic acid amplification reaction in order to avoid improper antibiotics use.
Design:
Case-control retrospective study.
Setting:
Emergency Room of "Sandro Pertini" General Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Participants:
Children (< 14 years old) who consecutively arrived in the Emergency Department (ED) for respiratory tract infections, without obvious signs of bacterial respiratory tract infections and other comorbidities, in the maximal seasonal incidence period of November-to-March of every year between 2016 and 2020.
Methods:
Medical records of children included in the study were retrospectively examined. Children were subdivided according to the following intervals: 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 (Group 1), 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 (Group 2). Children in Group 2 undertook a nasopharyngeal swab, while those in Group 1 did not undergo any specific diagnostic test.
Primary Outcome:
Avoidance of improper antibiotics administration.
Results:
A total of 386 children were included in the study: 174 in Group 1, 212 in Group 2. The Odd Ratio (OR) of prescribing an antibiotic in the groups of children not being swabbed compared to those of children undertaking a swab was 9.21 (CI95% 5.6-15.2, p < 0.001). The overall percentage of hospitalizations, both in the short observation unit or in the pediatric unit, did not differ between the two groups.
Conclusions:
Nasopharyngeal swabs for the detection of Influenza A and B viruses and Respiratory syncytial virus proved to be a useful means to a correct and timely diagnosis and allowed for a significant reduction in the prescription of antibiotic therapy.
Trial Registration:
Retrospectively registered.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Real Time RT-PCR
The real-time quantification of the number of amplified products is...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment