Detecting Viruses in Young Children with Respiratory Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Alma C van de Pol, Tom FW Wolfs, Nicolaas JG Jansen, Anton M van Loon, John WA Rossen
Primary Institution: University Medical Center Utrecht
Hypothesis
Real-time PCR is more effective than conventional methods for detecting respiratory viruses in young children with lower respiratory tract infections.
Conclusion
Real-time PCR for respiratory viruses was found to be a sensitive and reliable method in PICU patients with lower respiratory tract infection, increasing the diagnostic yield twofold compared to conventional methods.
Supporting Evidence
- Real-time PCR confirmed all positive results found by conventional methods.
- Real-time PCR identified 22 more viruses in 11 patients, yielding a total of 22 (96%) patients with a positive sample.
- More than one virus was detected in eight (35%) children.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a special test called real-time PCR to quickly find out if kids with breathing problems have viruses, which helps them treat the kids better.
Methodology
Children under 5 years suspected of having lower respiratory tract infections were tested using conventional methods and real-time PCR.
Limitations
The small study group limited the ability to find associations between clinical characteristics and multiple infections.
Participant Demographics
Median age of patients was 2.6 months; 87% were referred from outside hospitals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.026
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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