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Updated: Jul 3, 2025

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Severe SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus co-infection in two children
Andreana Angelova1, Mariya Atanasova1, Kostadin Ketev1
1Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Insights
Severe COVID-19 in children is rare but possible, especially with coinfections like respiratory syncytial virus. Early diagnosis with multiplex PCR is crucial for managing pediatric cases and preventing spread.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, primarily impacts older adults.
- Children typically experience milder COVID-19 symptoms, with severe cases being infrequent.
- Comorbidities increase the risk of severe COVID-19 and mortality in adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the potential for severe COVID-19 in pediatric patients.
- To emphasize the possibility of coinfections, such as with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), leading to severe illness in children.
- To underscore the importance of accurate and timely diagnosis in managing pediatric COVID-19 cases.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two pediatric patients with severe COVID-19.
- Utilized multiplex PCR for microbiological diagnosis.
- Implemented contact precautions based on diagnostic results.
Main Results:
- Identified coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and RSV in two children presenting with severe COVID-19.
- Multiplex PCR enabled early and accurate diagnosis.
- Diagnostic findings facilitated prompt implementation of infection control measures.
Conclusions:
- Coinfection can significantly influence the clinical course and outcome of pediatric COVID-19.
- Multiplex PCR is a valuable tool for diagnosing viral coinfections in children.
- Further research is needed to understand the impact of coinfections on pediatric COVID-19 severity.
Abstract:
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) affects mainly older adults. Those with comorbidities are at a higher risk of severe disease and even death. The symptomatic infection rate of children is lower, manifestations are milder, and severe forms are scarce. We present here two children with severe COVID-19 and a respiratory syncytial virus, with the goal of emphasizing the possibility of coinfection with a severe course and a different result. The microbiological diagnosis was made using multiplex PCR. This assay not only provided an early and accurate diagnosis but also aided in the implementation of contact precautions. Further research should be done to determine the influence of coinfection on the clinical course and outcome of pediatric patients.
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