Characterization of Viral Agents Causing Acute Respiratory Infection in a San Francisco University Medical Center Clinic during the Influenza Season

• DOI: 10.1086/432800
• Publication Date: 2005-08-19T14:07:41Z
• Authors: J. K. Louie; J. K. Hacker; R. Gonzales; J. Mark; J. H. Maselli; S. Yagi; W. L. Drew
• Keywords: Center (category theory); Influenzavirus B; Viral infection

With use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a centrifugation-enhanced viral culture method, we characterized the viruses causing acute respiratory infection in adults during an influenza season.During January-March 2002, nasopharyngeal wash specimens from previously healthy presenting with symptoms were evaluated for pathogens PCR.The diagnoses 266 cases included unspecified upper (in 142 [54%] cases), bronchitis (42 [16%]), sinusitis (23 [9%]), pharyngitis (22 [8%]), pneumonia (17 [6%]). The shell vial assay PCR identified pathogen 103 (39%) patients, including A or B 54, picornavirus 28 (including rhinovirus 24), syncytial virus (RSV) 12, human metapneumovirus 4, coronavirus OC43 2, adenovirus parainfluenza type 1 1, coinfection 2.Our findings demonstrate that, even season, RSV are prevalent must be considered differential diagnosis adult before prescribing antiviral medication. Human did not play substantial role. was especially useful tool identification other easily detected by traditional testing methods.