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Updated: Jun 15, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
Duration of PCR positivity by type of respiratory virus among children using a multiplex PCR test
Taito Kitano1, Daisuke Kitagawa2, Masayuki Murata1
1Department of Pediatrics, Nara Prefecture General Medical Center, Nara, Japan.
Insights
Persistent positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are common in children with respiratory viruses. This study found varying durations of PCR positivity for different viruses, impacting daily life and infection control measures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Virology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Prolonged positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results can lead to extended restrictions and infection control measures.
- Limited data exists on the duration of PCR positivity for multiple respiratory pathogens within a single pediatric cohort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the duration of PCR positivity for various respiratory viruses in children and adolescents.
- To identify factors influencing persistent PCR positivity in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of symptomatic children and adolescents with at least two PCR tests within 90 days.
- Utilized a multiplex PCR respiratory panel for testing.
- Assessed rates and likelihood of persistent PCR positivity for multiple viruses.
Main Results:
- Persistent PCR positivity was common, decreasing over time (60.6% at 1-15 days to 21.7% at 76-90 days).
- Rhinovirus/enterovirus and adenovirus showed increased likelihood of persistent positivity.
- Influenza and seasonal coronaviruses had decreased likelihood of persistent positivity compared to parainfluenza viruses.
Conclusions:
- Persistent PCR positivity is a frequent occurrence for multiple respiratory viruses in symptomatic children.
- Understanding differential durations of PCR positivity is crucial for managing infection control and patient care.
Abstract:
Prolonged positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results, irrespective of the transmission risk, can lead to prolonged restrictions on daily activities and infection precaution interventions. Studies evaluating the duration of PCR positivity for multiple pathogens in a single patient cohort are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the durations of PCR positivity for multiple respiratory viruses among children and adolescents. This retrospective study was conducted between April 2018 and March 2024 using a multiplex PCR respiratory panel for symptomatic children and adolescents who had at least two tests within 90 days of study period, with the first PCR test positive. The rate and likelihood of persistent PCR positivity were evaluated for multiple respiratory viruses. For 1325 positive results, repeat tests were conducted within 90 days. The persistent PCR positivity rate at repeat testing decreased over time (60.6%, Days 1-15 and 21.7%, Days 76-90, after the first test). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, an increased likelihood of persistent PCR positivity was observed for rhinovirus/enterovirus and adenovirus, whereas decreased likelihood of persistent positivity was seen in influenza and seasonal coronaviruses, compared with parainfluenza viruses. Persistent PCR positivity is common for multiple respiratory viruses in symptomatic children.
