Viral etiology among the elderly presenting acute respiratory infection during the influenza season

Introduction: Acute respiratory tract infections are the most common illness in all individuals. Rhinoviruses have been reported as the etiology of more than 50% of respiratory tract infections worldwide. The study prospectively evaluated 47 elderly individuals from a group of 384 randomly assigned...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Aranha Watanabe, Aripuana Sakurada, Carraro, Emerson, Grisi Candeias, Joao Manuelo [UNESP], Donalisio, Maria Rita, Leal, Elcio, Hernandes Granato, Celso Francisco, Bellei, Nancy
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2011
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da UNESP
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.unesp.br:11449/18250
Acceso en línea:http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0037-86822011000100005
http://hdl.handle.net/11449/18250
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Respiratory viruses
Human rhinovirus
Genescan RT-PCR
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
Elderly
Descripción
Sumario:Introduction: Acute respiratory tract infections are the most common illness in all individuals. Rhinoviruses have been reported as the etiology of more than 50% of respiratory tract infections worldwide. The study prospectively evaluated 47 elderly individuals from a group of 384 randomly assigned for acute respiratory viral infections (cold or flu) and assessed the occurrence of human rhinovirus (HRV), influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus and metapneumovirus (hMPV) in Botucatu, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Forty-nine nasal swabs collected from 47 elderly individuals following inclusion visits from 2002 to 2003 were tested by GenScan RT-PCR. HRV-positive samples were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Results: No sample was positive for influenza A/B or RSV. HRV was detected in 28.6% (14/47) and hMPV in 2% (1/47). of 14 positive samples, 9 isolates were successfully sequenced, showing the follow group distribution: 6 group A, 1 group B and 2 group C HRVs. Conclusions: The high incidence of HRV during the months of the influenza season requires further study regarding HRV infection impact on respiratory complications among this population. Infection caused by HRV is very frequent and may contribute to increasing the already high demand for healthcare during the influenza season.