Incidence of respiratory syncytial virus in hospitalized children less than 2 years of age with acute lower respiratory tract infections using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Respiratory viruses have been found to be the predominant cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs)
in young children, irrespective of climatic zones. In various studies, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been found to be the
major pathogen responsible for hospitalizations. The incidence rate of RSV varies according to the latitude, altitude, and climatic
conditions of a particular geographical area. Aim: The aim of present study was to know the incidence of RSV among hospitalized
children with ALRTIs under 2 years of age and identify social and demographic factors associated with severe RSV infection.
Materials and Methods: Nasopharyngeal secretions were collected using sterile swabs from 50 children. Nucleic acids were
extracted using spin column method and detected using real-time PCR. Social and demographic data were collected using preset
pro forma. Results and Conclusion: Out of total 50 nasopharyngeal samples, 13 (26%) tested positive for RSV. Major predictors
for severity of RSV related ALRTI were male gender, birth during winter months and residence in the rural area.