Real-Time PCR Detection of Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV) among Adults with Pneumonia

Abstract

This study aimed to confirm the presence of RSV using real-time PCR in nasal
and throat swabs which had no visible cytopathic effect in tissue culture technique
from adults of moderate-to-severe pneumonia with influenza-like illness. Results of
real-time RT-PCR found that viral RNA in 11.63% (5/43) of adult with pneumonia
and flu-like illness symptoms. A significant incidence of RSV infection in Dec. and
Jan. 2014 was appeared among patients aged more than 45 years. The results
showed that viral load significantly associated with disease severity. In conclusion,
multiplex RT-PCR is recommended to diagnose RSV and influenza viruses in
winter season in older patients with pneumonia and can decrease sever illness in the
elderly.