ABSTRACT
A rapid method for detection of respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] in middle ear effusion [MEE] samples, involving a combination of reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction amplification [RT-PCR], has been used. The RT-PCR assay employs oligonucleotide primers specific for the region of the RSV genome which encodes the Fl subunit of the fusion [F] glycoprotein. The RT-PCR assay was tested on 30 samples collected at time of tympanostomy with or/without adenoidectomy from 30 children with otitis media with effusion [OME] and the results from RT-PCR were compared with those obtained from virus culture and direct immunofluorescence [DIF]. 13[43.3%] out of 30 samples were positive by RT-PCR and viral culture, as well as 12 [40.0%] of 30 samples which were positive by direct immunofluorescence [DIF]. Sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR and DIF in comparison to the results of tissue culture of the studied patients were, 92.3%, 100% and 84.6%, 88.2% respectively with the accuracy 96.7% for RT-PCR. Results of RT-PCR assay suggest that this technique could be useful for diagnosis of RSV in clinical samples as an immediate procedure and in facilities lacking a comprehensive virology laboratory