Viral Pathogens and Seasonal Distribution in Respiratory Tract Infections
Introduction: Respiratory tract infections cause significant morbidity and mortality. Viruses are one of the leading causes for respiratory tract infections all over the world. The aim of this study was to determine viral pathogens in respiratory tract infections and to investigate their seasonal di...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Bilimsel Tip Yayinevi
2020-03-01
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| Series: | Flora Infeksiyon Hastalıkları ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Dergisi |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.floradergisi.org/getFileContent.aspx?op=REDPDF&file_name=2020-25-01-069-075.pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: Respiratory tract infections cause significant morbidity and mortality. Viruses are one of the leading causes for respiratory tract infections all over the world. The aim of this study was to determine viral pathogens in respiratory tract infections and to investigate their seasonal distribution.
Materials and Methods: The seasonal distribution of viral agents in nasopharyngeal swab specimens taken from 1999 patients with a prediagnosis of respiratory tract infection between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018 was investigated by multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction method.
Results: 2034 viruses were detected in 1999 nasopharyngeal swab specimens. As the most common viral agents; rhinovirus (23.5%), influenza virus (18.1%) and respiratory syncytial virus (17.9%) were determined. Only one viral agent was detected in 1563 (78.18%) of all patients. Two (19.1%) viruses in 381 patients, 3 (2.8%) viruses in 57 patients and 4 (0.4%) viruses in 8 patients were detected. Respiratory syncytial virus (17.9%) was the most common viral agent in winter, and rhinovirus (6%) was the most common viral agent in spring. The most common viral agents were found in winter (42.6%) and the lowest in summer (6.9%).
Conclusion: The detection of multiple viral agents in a single study by polymerase chain reaction in respiratory tract infections will prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics in patients. With necessary precautions and symptomatic treatments, the duration and severity of symptoms will be reduced and possible complications and transmission will be prevented. |
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| ISSN: | 1300-932X 1308-5115 |