Comparison of Two Methods for Detecting Respiratory Viruses
Author Information
Author(s): Ali S Asad, Gern James E, Hartert Tina V, Edwards Kathryn M, Griffin Marie R, Miller E Kathryn, Gebretsadik Tebeb, Pappas Tressa, Lee Wai-ming, Williams John V
Primary Institution: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
How do two molecular methods for detecting respiratory viruses compare in a real-world setting?
Conclusion
Both molecular assays performed well, but there were significant differences in the detection of specific viruses.
Supporting Evidence
- The RMA assay detected more human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus, while RT-rtPCR detected more influenza A.
- At least one virus was detected in 78.3% of samples by RMA and 73.4% by RT-rtPCR.
- The study included 225 infants with respiratory symptoms from September 2005 to May 2006.
Takeaway
The study looked at two ways to find viruses that make people sick, and found that each method was better at finding different viruses.
Methodology
Nasal and throat swabs from infants were tested for 11 viruses using a multiplex assay and individual RT-PCR.
Potential Biases
Potential discrepancies due to differences in assay methods and primer designs.
Limitations
Different extraction methods and primers were used, and there was no gold standard for confirming virus presence.
Participant Demographics
Infants hospitalized with respiratory illness, 57% male, median age 13 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
0.66 (0.56-0.76)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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