Rapid detection of respiratory syncytial virus in community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections in children by chromatographic assay

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the single most important viral agent causing pediatric lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) worldwide. To evaluate the role of RSV in pediatric LRTIs, we studied 85 children <2 years of age hospitalized for community-acquired LRTIs. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained on admission for the detection of RSV antigen by immunochromatographic assay. Demographic, clinical, and radiological findings for RSV antigen were compared. Data analysis was performed by Chi-square test. A relatively higher number of RSV-infected children 32 (60.4%) were below 6 months of age. Clinical and radiological findings in both RSV-positive and RSV-negative groups were comparable. RSV antigen was positive in 53 (62.4%) with immunochromatography. Our study confirms that RSV plays a significant role in community-acquired LRTIs in children.

Detection of immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children with community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections

Context: Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) causes up to 40% of community-acquired pneumonia in children. It is impossible to identify M. pneumoniae infection on the basis of clinical signs, symptoms, and radiological features. Therefore, correct etiological diagnosis strongly depends on laboratory diagnosis. Aims: This study aims to investigate the role of M. pneumonia e in pediatric lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) employing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and particle agglutination (PA) test. Settings and Design: Two hundred and eighty children, age 6 months to 12 years with community-acquired LRTIs were investigated for M. pneumoniae etiology. Materials and Methods: We investigated 280 children hospitalized for community-acquired LRTIs, using ELISA and PA test for detecting M. pneumoniae immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G antibodies. Statistical Analysis Used: The difference of proportion between the qualitative variables was tested using the Chi-square test and Fischer exact test. P ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Kappa value was used to assess agreement between ELISA and PA test. Results: M. pneumoniae was positive in 51 (23.2%) <5 years and 33 (54.0%) children in ≥5 years of age group, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Clinical and radiological findings in M. pneumoniae positive and negative groups were comparable. ELISA detected M. pneumoniae in 78 (27.8%) and PA test 39 (13.9%) patients; 33 (84.6%) ELISA positive and 6 (15.4%) ELISA negative. ELISA/PA test together detected M. pneumoniae infection in 84 (30%) children. Conclusions: Our data underline that M. pneumoniae plays an important role in children with community-acquired LRTIs and more particularly in children >5 years of age.