Infection with multiple viruses is not associated with increased disease severity in children with bronchiolitis

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Abstract

Background The clinical relevance of parallel detection of multiple viruses by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) remains unclear. This study evaluated the association between the detection of multiple viruses by RT-PCR and disease severity in children with bronchiolitis. Methods Children less than 2 years of age with clinical symptoms of bronchiolitis were prospectively included during three winter seasons. Patients were categorized in three groups based on disease severity; mild (no supportive treatment), moderate (supplemental oxygen and/or nasogastric feeding), and severe (mechanical ventilation). Multiplex RT-PCR of 15 respiratory viruses was performed on nasopharyngeal aspirates. Results In total, 142 samples were obtained. Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV) was the most commonly detected virus (73%) followed by rhinovirus (RV) (30%). In 58 samples (41%) more than one virus was detected, of which 41% was a dual infection with RSV and RV. In RSV infected children younger than 3 months, disease severity was not associated with the number of detected viruses. Remarkably, in children older than 3 months we found an association between more severe disease and RSV mono-infections. Conclusion Disease severity in children with bronchiolitis is not associated with infection by multiple viruses. We conclude that other factors, such as age, contribute to disease severity to a larger extent. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:393-400. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Brand, H. K., De Groot, R., Galama, J. M. D., Brouwer, M. L., Teuwen, K., Hermans, P. W. M., … Warris, A. (2012). Infection with multiple viruses is not associated with increased disease severity in children with bronchiolitis. Pediatric Pulmonology, 47(4), 393–400. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppul.21552

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