Diagnosis of the Adenovirus, RSV, and Influenza Virus by Rapid Detection Test (Immunochromatography) in Children with Acute Respiratory Infection

Background and Aim: Respiratory tract infection is one of the important causes of deaths in children especially in developing countries. The most common viral respiratory tract infections are Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV), Adenovirus and Influenza viruses. Our objective was to identify the frequency of Adenovirus, RSV, and Influenza viruses in patients with acute respiratory tract infection in a teaching hospital.

Materials and Methods: A prospective cross sectional study was carried out during 12 months on 160 children of up to 14 years of age. The nasopharyngeal secretions were analyzed with chromatography method.

Results: A total of 160 patients with upper respiratory tract infection with a mean age of 61.5 months were evaluated; 57.5% were boys and 42.5% were girls. Influenza A virus, RSV, and Adenovirus were detected in 7 cases (4.4%), 9 cases (5.7%), and 10 cases (6.3%), respectively. Sore throat in RSV infection, cough, petechiae on palate and vomiting in Influenza infection and cervical adenopathy in Adenovirus infection were more prevalent.

Conclusion: Adenovirus was the most prevalent virus. We need a more sensitive test to detect viruses properly as a cause of upper respiratory tract infection in children.