Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR for Detection of Seven Respiratory Viruses in Children Admitted to Hospital with Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
Session III – Ekasit Kowitdamrong – Poster Only
Title of Contribution: Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR for Detection of Seven Respiratory Viruses in Children Admitted to Hospital with Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
Author(s): Kowitdamrong E, Bhattarakosol P, Samransamruajkit R, Prapphal N
Affiliation(s): Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Abstract:
Background: Acute lower respiratory tract infections are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in children under 5 years of age. The majority of these infections are often caused by respiratory viruses. Laboratory diagnosis of respiratory viruses is important because many organisms can cause similar illnesses.
Objective: To evaluate the Multiplex Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for detection 7 respiratory viruses (influenza virus A and B, parainfluenza virus 1, 2 and 3), respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus in comparison with conventional cell culture and direct antigen detection).
Design: Prospective descriptive study
Setting: King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
Methods: 170 children (under 5 years old) with acute lower respiratory tract infections admitted at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between July 2007- December 2008 were enrolled after inform consent. Nasopharyngeal aspirations were done and clinical specimens were evaluated by conventional methods (direct antigen detection and viral cell culture) and Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR.
Results: Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR and conventional methods could detect respiratory virus in 115 of 170 samples (67.65%) and 89 of 170 samples (52.35%), respectively. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of conventional methods compared to Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR are 74.56%, 94.64%. 96.59% and 64.63%, respectively.
Conclusion: Use of Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR increases the sensitivity of detection of seven common respiratory viruses that cause acute lower respiratory tract infections in children.
