Identification of SARS-CoV-2 and additional respiratory pathogens cases under the investigation of COVID-19 initial phase in a Brazilian reference laboratory

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) surveillance, in Brazil, initiated shortly after its description, in China. Our aim was to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and additional pathogens in samples from the initial phase of the outbreak in Brazil, from late February to late March. From 707 samples analysed, 29 (4.1%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive. Fever and cough were their most prevalent symptoms. Co-detection of rhinovirus was observed in 2 (6.9%) cases. Additional pathogens were identified in 66.1% of the SARS-CoV-2 negative cases, mainly rhinovirus and influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. Thus, we emphasise the importance of differential diagnosis in COVID-19 suspected cases.

Virus más frecuentemente aislados en la exacerbación de asma y su correlación con nivelesde eosinófilos e inmunoglobulina E sérica total / Most commonly isolated viruses in asthma exacerbation and their correlation with eosinophil and total serum immunoglobulin E levels

Antecedentes. Las exacerbaciones de asma continúan siendo una causa de hospitalización en el Servicio de Urgencias. Los desencadenantesson alérgenos e infecciones, principalmente, de tipo viral. El objetivo fue determinar la relación entre los virus detectados durante la exacerbación asmática y los niveles de eosinófilos e inmunoglobulina E (IgE) sérica en pacientes pediátricos. Población y métodos. Estudio transversal analítico. Se incluyeron niños de cinco a quince años atendidos en Urgencias de Pediatría con exacerbación de asma, en el período de marzo de 2013 a febrero de 2016. Se obtuvo ácido ribonucleico viral en el aspirado nasofaríngeo con el kit CLART PneumoVir. Se cuantificaron los eosinófilos en la sangre periférica y los niveles de IgE sérica total. Se consideró eosinofilia un conteo ≥ 0,4 x 103/mm3 e IgE elevada, ≥ 350 UI/L. Se realizó la correlación de Pearson. Se definió significancia con valor de p ≤ 0,05.Resultados. De 211 niños con exacerbación de asma, en el 20%, se aisló un virus. Los virus aislados más frecuentemente fueron el rinovirus, el enterovirus y el virus sincitial respiratorio. Se encontró una correlación entre los niveles de eosinófilos e IgE sérica total en los niños con exacerbación de asma y rinovirus de 0,89, con una p= 0,0001.Conclusiones. Las infecciones por rinovirus, enterovirus y virus sincitial respiratorio son más frecuentes en las exacerbaciones de asma en menores de 15 años. Se observó una correlación entre los niveles de eosinófilos e IgE en presencia de rinovirus.

Background. Asthma exacerbations are still a cause of hospitalization at the Emergency Department. The triggers of asthma exacerbations include allergens and infections ­mostly viral­. The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between viruses detected during an asthma exacerbation and eosinophil and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in pediatric patients. Population and methods. Cross-sectional. analytical study. Children aged 5-15 years seen at the Pediatric Emergency Department with an asthma exacerbation in the period between March 2013 and February 2016 were included. Viral ribonucleic acid was extracted from nasopharyngeal aspirates using the CLART Pneumo Vir kit. Eosinophil levels were measured in peripheral blood and total IgE levels, in serum. Eosinophilia was defined as a count ≥ 0.4 x 103/mm3 and high IgE. as a level ≥ 350 IU/L. The Pearson's correlation was carried out. A value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.Results. Out of 211 children with asthma exacerbation, a virus was isolated in 20%. The most commonly isolated viruses were rhinovirus. enterovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. A correlation of 0.89 was established between eosinophil and total serum IgE levels in children with asthma exacerbation and rhinovirus, with a p value of 0.0001. Conclusions. Rhinovirus, enterovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus were the most common viruses in asthma exacerbations in children younger than 15 years. A correlation was established between eosinophil and IgE levels in the presence of rhinovirus.

Impact and seasonality of human rhinovirus infection in hospitalized patients for two consecutive years / Impacto e sazonalidade da infecção por rinovírus humano em pacientes internados por dois anos consecutivos

Abstract Objectives: To report epidemiological features, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of human rhinovirus (HRV) infections in comparison with other community acquired respiratory virus (CRV) infections in patients hospitalized for two consecutive years. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory data of patients hospitalized with acute respiratory syndrome in a tertiary care hospital from 2012 to 2013 were reviewed. Results: HRV was the most common CRV observed (36%, 162/444) and was present in the majority of viral co-detections (69%, 88/128), mainly in association with human enterovirus (45%). Most HRV-infected patients were younger than 2 years (57%). Overall, patients infected with HRV had a lower frequency of severe acute respiratory infection than those infected with other CRVs (60% and 84%, respectively, p = 0.006), but had more comorbidities (40% and 27%, respectively; p = 0.043). However, in the adjusted analysis this association was not significant. The mortality rate within the HRV group was 3%. Detection of HRV was more prevalent during autumn and winter, with a moderately negative correlation between viral infection frequency and temperature (r = −0.636, p < 0.001) but no correlation with rainfall (r = −0.036, p = 0.866). Conclusion: HRV is usually detected in hospitalized children with respiratory infections and is often present in viral co-detections. Comorbidities are closely associated with HRV infections. These infections show seasonal variation, with predominance during colder seasons.

Resumo Objetivos: Relatar as características epidemiológicas, as características clínicas e os resultados das infecções por rinovírus humano (RVH) em comparação a outras infecções por vírus respiratórios adquiridos na comunidade (VRCs) em pacientes internados por dois anos consecutivos. Métodos: Este foi um estudo transversal. Foram revisados os dados clínicos, epidemiológicos e laboratoriais de pacientes internados com síndrome respiratória aguda em um hospital terciário de 2012 a 2013. Resultados: O RVH foi o VRC mais comum observado (36%, 162/444) e esteve presente na maior parte das codetecções virais (69%, 88/128), principalmente em associação ao enterovírus humano (45%). A maioria dos pacientes infectados por RVH possuía menos de 2 anos (57%). De modo geral, os pacientes com RVH apresentaram uma menor frequência de infecção respiratória aguda grave que os pacientes infectados por outros VRCs (60% e 84%, respectivamente, p = 0,006), porém mais comorbidades (40% e 27%, respectivamente; p = 0,043). Contudo, em uma análise ajustada, essa associação não foi significativa. A taxa de mortalidade no grupo RVH foi 3%. A detecção de RVH foi mais prevalente durante o outono e inverno, com uma correlação negativa moderada entre a frequência de infecção viral e a temperatura (r = -0,636, p < 0,001), porém nenhuma correlação com a precipitação (r = −0,036, p = 0,866). Conclusão: O RVH é normalmente detectado em crianças internadas com infecções respiratórias e normalmente está presente em codetecções virais. As comorbidades estão estreitamente associadas a infecções por RVH. Essas infecçõesmostram variação sazonal, com predominância durante as estações mais frias.

Lack of association between viral load and severity of acute bronchiolitis in infants / Falta de associação entre carga viral e gravidade da bronquiolite aguda em lactentes

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the correlation between respiratory syncytial viral load and length of hospitalization in infants with acute wheezing episodes. Methods: This was a two-year, cross-sectional study of infants ≤ 12 months of age with bronchiolitis at the time of admission to a tertiary hospital. For the identification of respiratory viruses, nasopharyngeal secretions were collected. Samples were analyzed (throughout the study period) by direct immunofluorescence and (in the second year of the study) by quantitative real-time PCR. We screened for three human viruses: rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and metapneumovirus. Results: Of 110 samples evaluated by direct immunofluorescence, 56 (50.9%) were positive for a single virus, and 16 (14.5%) were positive for two or more viruses. Among those 72 samples, the most prevalent virus was respiratory syncytial virus, followed by influenza. Of 56 samples evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR, 24 (42.8%) were positive for a single virus, and 1 (1.7%) was positive for two viruses. Among those 25 samples, the most prevalent virus was again respiratory syncytial virus, followed by human rhinovirus. Coinfection did not influence the length of the hospital stay or other outcome s. In addition, there was no association between respiratory syncytial virus load and the length of hospitalization. Conclusions: Neither coinfection nor respiratory syncytial viral load appears to influence the outcomes of acute bronchiolitis in infants.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a correlação entre a carga viral do vírus sincicial respiratório e o tempo de internação hospitalar em lactentes com episódios de sibilância aguda. Métodos: Este foi um estudo transversal de dois anos envolvendo lactentes de até 12 meses de idade com bronquiolite no momento da internação em um hospital terciário. Para a identificação dos vírus respiratórios foram coletadas secreções nasofaríngeas. As amostras foram analisadas (por todo o período do estudo) por imunofluorescência direta e (no segundo ano do estudo) por PCR quantitativa em tempo real para três vírus humanos (rinovírus, vírus sincicial respiratório e metapneumovírus). Resultados: Das 110 amostras avaliadas por imunofluorescência direta, 56 (50,9%) foram positivas para um único vírus, e 16 (14,5%) foram positivas para dois ou mais vírus. Nessas 72 amostras, o vírus mais prevalente foi o vírus sincicial respiratório, seguido por influenza. Das 56 amostras avaliadas por PCR quantitativa em tempo real, 24 (42,8%) foram positivas para um único vírus, e 1 (1,7%) foi positiva para dois vírus. Nessas 25 amostras, o vírus mais prevalente foi o vírus sincicial respiratório, seguido por rinovírus humano. A coinfecção não influenciou o tempo de internação ou outros desfechos. Além disso, não houve associação entre a carga viral de vírus sincicial respiratório e o tempo de internação. Conclusões: A coinfecção e a carga viral do vírus sincicial respiratório não parecem influenciar os desfechos em lactentes com bronquiolite aguda.

Prevalence of rhinovirus in wheezing children: a comparison with respiratory syncytial virus wheezing

Abstract Objective To explore the distribution and clinical manifestations of rhinovirus infection in wheezing children, and compare the clinical differences between rhinovirus- and respiratory syncytial virus-induced wheezing. Materials and methods This prospective cohort study was carried out in Children's Hospital of Soochow University from Dec 2012 to Nov 2014. We enrolled consecutive hospitalized children <60 months of age presented with wheezing. Clinical data including cough, fever, dyspnea, crackles were recorded by pediatricians on the first day of admission. Meanwhile, nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained to test for respiratory viruses, by using polymerase chain reaction method for rhinovirus, human bocavirus, and human metapneumovirus, and direct immunofluorescence assay to test for respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus types 1–3, and influenza virus types A and B. Results Rhinovirus was a main causative agent isolated in 14.7% of the hospitalized wheezing children in Suzhou, China, being second to respiratory syncytial virus (21.0%). Different from respiratory syncytial virus infection, which peaked in winter months, rhinovirus could be detected all year round, peaked between July and September, and in November. Children with rhinovirus infection were older and presented with more often allergic sensitizations, blood eosinophilia, and leukocytosis than those of respiratory syncytial virus infection. Logistic regression analysis revealed that rhinovirus-infected children experienced earlier wheezing more often than respiratory syncytial virus children (odds ratio, 3.441; 95% confidence interval, 1.187–9.979; p = 0.023). Conclusion Rhinovirus was a main viral pathogen in wheezing children, especially in summer time. Rhinovirus-induced wheezing was different from respiratory syncytial virus, apart from seasonal epidemics; these two groups differed with regard to age, allergic sensitizations, laboratory test, and history of wheezing episodes.

Acute respiratory viral infections in pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy / Infecções respiratórias virais agudas em pacientes pediátricos com câncer em tratamento quimioterápico

OBJECTIVE: to estimate the prevalence of infection by respiratory viruses in pediatric patients with cancer and acute respiratory infection (ARI) and/or fever. METHODS: cross-sectional study, from January 2011 to December 2012. The secretions of nasopharyngeal aspirates were analyzed in children younger than 21 years with acute respiratory infections. Patients were treated at the Grupo em Defesa da Criança Com Câncer (Grendacc) and University Hospital (HU), Jundiaí, SP. The rapid test was used for detection of influenza virus (Kit Biotrin, Inc. Ireland), and real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction (FTD, Respiratory pathogens, multiplex Fast Trade Kit, Malta) for detection of influenza virus (H1N1, B), rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, human parechovirus, bocavirus, metapneumovirus, and human coronavirus. The prevalence of viral infection was estimated and association tests were used (χ2 or Fisher's exact test). RESULTS: 104 samples of nasopharyngeal aspirate and blood were analyzed. The median age was 12 ± 5.2 years, 51% males, 68% whites, 32% had repeated ARIs, 32% prior antibiotic use, 19.8% cough, and 8% contact with ARIs. A total of 94.3% were in good general status. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (42.3%) was the most prevalent neoplasia. Respiratory viruses were detected in 50 samples: rhinoviruses (23.1%), respiratory syncytial virus AB (8.7%), and coronavirus (6.8%). Co-detection occurred in 19% of cases with 2 viruses and in 3% of those with 3 viruses, and was more frequent between rhinovirus and coronavirus 43. Fever in neutropenic patients was observed in 13%, of which four (30.7) were positive for viruses. There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of respiratory viruses was relevant in the infectious episode, with no increase in morbidity and mortality. Viral co-detection was frequent in patients with cancer and ARIs. .

OBJETIVO: estimar a prevalência da infecção pelos vírus respiratórios em pacientes pediátricos com câncer e infecção respiratória aguda (IRA) e/ou febre. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal, de janeiro de 2011 a dezembro de 2012. Foram analisadas secreções de aspirado da nasofaringe de menores de 21 anos, com quadro respiratório agudo, atendidos nos hospitais Grendacc e HU, Jundiaí, SP. Foi aplicado o teste rápido para detecção dos vírus influenza (Kit Biotrin(r)) e a reação em cadeia da polimerase multiplex em tempo real (Kit multiplex/Fast Trade(r)) para detecção dos vírus: influenza (A, H1N1, B), rinovírus, parainfluenza, adenovírus respiratório, vírus respiratório sincicial, parechovírus, bocavírus, metapneumovírus humano e coronavírus humano. Foi estimada a prevalência de infecção viral e usados testes de associação (χ2 ou teste exato de Fisher). RESULTADOS: foram analisadas 104 amostras de aspirado de nasofaringe e sangue. A mediana para a idade foi 12±5,2 anos; masculino (51%); cor branca (68%); IVAS de repetição (32%); uso prévio de antibiótico (32%); tosse (19,8%); e contato com IVAS (8%). Apresentavam-se em bom estado geral 94,3% dos pacientes. A leucemia linfocítica aguda (42,3%) foi mais prevalente. Foram detectados vírus respiratórios em 50% das amostras: rinovírus (23,1%), vírus sincicial respiratório A/B (8,7%) e coronavírus (6,8%). Ocorreu codetecção em 19% entre dois vírus, e de 3% entre três vírus, sendo a mais frequente entre rinovírus e coronavírus 43. Febre em neutropênicos foi de 13%, sendo quatro (30,7%) com vírus positivo. Não houve óbitos. CONCLUSÕES: a prevalência de vírus respiratórios ...

Rhinovirus detection by real-time RT-PCR in children with acute respiratory infection in Buenos Aires, Argentina / Detección de rinovirus por RT-PCR en tiempo real en muestras respiratorias de niños de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Human rhinoviruses (HRV), the major cause of common colds, have a significant genetic diversity and are classified into 3 species (A, B, C) with more than 100 serotypes. HRV species C, described in 2006, can only be detected using molecular methods. The objectives of this paper were to adapt a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for HRV detection and to further determine the frequency of HRV in respiratory samples from children under 2 years of age, with acute respiratory infection (ARI), from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Two real-time RT-PCR assays amplifying the 207 base pair of the 5' non-coding region were compared. The original protocol includes locked nucleic acid analogues and a pyrimidine derivative in the forward primer, while the adapted protocol avoided those molecules. Of 67 respiratory samples, 17 (25.4 %) were positive with the original protocol, and 20 (29.9 %) with the adapted one. Discrepant results were confirmed by sequencing analysis. An expanded gold standard was defined to determine the performance of both assays, and was used to describe the clinical characteristics of positive patients. Better sensitivity and specificity were obtained with the adapted protocol. Considering the expanded gold standard, HRV were detected in 23/67 (34.3 %) patients with ARI: 8/18 (44.4%) outpatients and 15/49 (30.6 %) hospitalized. Wheezing episodes were more frequent in HRV positive patients (43.5 %) than in HRV negative patients (18.2 %) (p = 0.041). This study describes the utility and clinical sensitivity of an adapted real-time RT-PCR assay for HRV detection.

Los rinovirus humanos (RVH) constituyen la principal causa de resfrío común y poseen una gran diversidad genética, con más de 100 serotipos clasificados en tres especies (A, B, C). Los RVH C fueron descritos en 2006 y solo pueden detectarse utilizando métodos moleculares. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue adaptar un protocolo de transcripción reversa seguida de reacción en cadena de polimerasa (RT-PCR) en tiempo real para detectar RVH y posteriormente determinar su frecuencia en muestras de niños menores de 2 años con infección respiratoria aguda (IRA). Se compararon dos protocolos de RT-PCR en tiempo real, que amplifican 207 pares de bases de la región 5' no codificante. El protocolo original incluyó un cebador directo con análogos de nucleótidos bloqueados (LNA) y un derivado pirimidínico en su secuencia, mientras que el protocolo adaptado no los incluyó. De 67 muestras, 17 (25,4 %) fueron positivas con el protocolo original y 20 (29,9 %) con el protocolo adaptado; los resultados discrepantes se confirmaron por secuenciación. Se definió un gold standard expandido para determinar el desempeño de ambos ensayos y describir las características clínicas de los pacientes RVH positivos. La mejor sensibilidad y especificidad se obtuvo con el protocolo adaptado. Considerando el gold standard expandido, se detectó RVH en 23/67 (34,3 %) pacientes con IRA: 44,4 % (8/18) ambulatorios y 30,6 % (15/49) internados. Los episodios de sibilancias fueron más frecuentes en pacientes RVH positivos (43,5 %) que en RVH negativos (18,2 %) (p = 0,041). El presente estudio describe la utilidad y la sensibilidad clínica de esta RT-PCR en tiempo real adaptada para detectar RVH.

Rinovirus: Frecuencia en niños con infección respiratoria aguda, no internados / Rhinoviruses: Frequency in nonhospitalized children with acute respiratory infection

Los métodos moleculares para diagnosticar rinovirus humanos (RVH) han aumentado la sensibilidad de detección. Esto ha permitido documentar la asociación entre los RVH y las infecciones respiratorias agudas (IRA) altas y bajas. La infección por RVH durante la infancia se asoció con posterior desarrollo de asma. Se estudió la frecuencia de RVH en 186 niños menores de 6 años ambulatorios con IRA (alta o baja), durante 2 años consecutivos (1/6/2008 - 31/5/2010). Se correlacionó la presencia de RVH con los antecedentes y características clínico-epidemiológicas. La detección de RVH se realizó con una RT-PCR en tiempo real que amplifica parte de la región 5' no codificante del genoma. Los virus respiratorios clásicos se estudiaron por inmunofluorescencia. En el 61% de los niños se detectó etiología viral. Las frecuencias fueron: RVH 27%, virus sincicial respiratorio (VSR) 16%, influenza A y B 9%, parainfluenza 8%, metapneumovirus 7% y adenovirus 0.5%. Se observaron coinfecciones duales en 8 casos, siendo RVH el más frecuente (en 4 de ellos). Los RVH circularon durante todo el período estudiado, con picos en invierno y primavera. No se observaron diferencias clínico-epidemiológicas significativas entre pacientes con o sin RVH, excepto un mayor porcentaje de niños afebriles con RVH. Los RVH fueron los virus más detectados en niños ambulatorios, principalmente en menores de 2 años, los segundos virus asociados a bronquiolitis, luego del VSR, y detectados tres veces más en los niños expuestos a tabaquismo pasivo (OR: 2,91; p = 0.012) que en el resto. Fueron identificados como único agente en el 28% de las bronquiolitis.

Molecular methods for human rhinoviruses (HRV) have increased the sensitivity in their diagnosis. HRV may cause acute respiratory infections (ARI) of the upper and lower respiratory tract. HRV infection during childhood is a predictor of asthma development. In this study, the HRV frequency in outpatient children with ARI was determined, and their clinical features and previous conditions were evaluated. A total of 186 respiratory samples of children under 6 year old attending the CEMIC pediatric emergency room from June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2010, were studied. Classical respiratory viruses were detected by immunofluorescence. A real time RT-PCR that amplifies part of the 5' non coding genomic region was used for HRV detection. Viral detection was obtained in 61% of children. The frequency was: 27% for HRV, 16% for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), 9% for influenza, 8% for parainfluenza, 7% for metapneumovirus and 0.5% for adenovirus. Dual coinfection was detected in 8 children and HRV were the most frequent, detected in 4 of them. HRV circulated during the two year period of the study, with peaks during winter and spring. No clinical difference was observed between patients with or without HRV, except an increase percent of children with HRV without fever. HRV were the most frequent viruses detected in this population, mainly in children under 2 year old, the second cause of bronchiolitis after RSV and more frequently detected in children exposed to passive smoking (OR = 2.91; p = 0.012), and were detected as the sole etiologic agent in 28% of bronchiolitis.

High rate of viral identification and coinfections in infants with acute bronchiolitis

OBJECTIVES: To determine the viruses and risk factors associated with hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions in infants with acute bronchiolitis. INTRODUCTION: Bronchiolitis is a major cause of morbidity in infants. Widespread use of molecular-based methods has yielded new insights about its etiology, but the impact of viral etiologies on early outcomes is still unclear. METHODS: Seventy-seven infants with bronchiolitis who were under two years of age and visited an emergency unit were included. Using molecular-based methods, samples were tested for 12 different respiratory viruses. Logistic regression models were used to identify clinical and virological variables associated with the main endpoints: hospital admission and ICU admission. RESULTS: We identified at least one virus in 93.5 percent of patients, and coinfections were found in nearly 40 percent of patients. RSV was the most common pathogen (63.6 percent), followed by rhinovirus (39 percent). Identification of RSV was only associated with an increased risk of hospital admission in the univariate model. Younger age and enterovirus infection were associated with an increased risk of hospital admission, while atopy of a first-degree relative showed a protective effect. Prematurity was associated with an increased risk of admission to the ICU. Coinfections were not associated with worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular-based methods resulted in high rates of viral identification but did not change the significant role of RSV in acute bronchiolitis. Younger age and enterovirus infection were risk factors for hospital admission, while prematurity appeared to be a significant risk factor for admission to the ICU in acute viral bronchiolitis.

Bronquiolite aguda por rinovírus em lactentes jovens / Rhinovirus and acute bronchiolitis in young infants

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de infecção por rinovírus em lactentes menores de 6 meses hospitalizados por bronquiolite aguda. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados de forma prospectiva lactentes hospitalizados com diagnóstico de bronquiolite aguda, no Hospital São Lucas da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, no período entre maio e setembro de 2002. Foi pesquisada a presença de vírus respiratórios no aspirado nasofaríngeo (ANF), através de imunofluorescência direta para vírus sincicial respiratório, parainfluenza, influenza e adenovírus. Para detecção do rinovírus, foi utilizada a reação de transcrição reversa, seguida de reação em cadeia da polimerase, específicas para picornavírus, seguidas de hibridização com sonda específica para rinovírus. RESULTADOS: Foram selecionados 45 lactentes hospitalizados com diagnóstico de bronquiolite aguda. A mediana da idade dos pacientes selecionados foi de 2 meses. Foram encontradas amostras positivas para vírus respiratórios em 35/45 (77,8 por cento) casos. Foi detectado mais de um vírus em 7/35 (20 por cento) amostras. Das amostras positivas, o vírus sincicial respiratório foi detectado em 33/35 (94 por cento) casos. O rinovírus foi detectado em 6/35 casos (17 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: O rinovírus foi o segundo agente mais freqüentemente detectado em secreção nasal de lactentes jovens hospitalizados por bronquiolite aguda.

Longitudinal study of acute respiratory diseases in Rio de Janeiro: occurrence of respiratory viruses during four consecutive years

Investigamos, durante um periodo de 4 anos (1982 a 1985), a ocorrencia de virus em secrecoes de nasofaringe coletadas de criancas com menos de 5 anos de idade apresentando quadro clinico de infeccao respiratoria aguda (IRA), residentes na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Foram encontrados todos os virus conhecidos como associados a IRA, com excessao do virus influenza C e parainfluenza 1, 2 e 4. Virus foram isolados mais frequentemente de criancas internadas em salas de emergencia e enfermarias que daquelas atendidas em ambulatorio. Este fato esta claramente relacionado com a alta incidencia do virus sincicial respiratorio (RSV) nos casos mais severos de IRA. Especimes positivos para RSV aparecem principalmente durante o outono, nos 4 anos consecutivos, indicando uma ocorrencia sazonal. As salas de emergencias sao a melhor fonte de dados para vigilancia do RSV, onde um aumento no numero de casos positivos corresponde a um aumento no numero total de casos de IRA internados. Os adenovirus ocupam o segundo lugar entre os virus frequentemente isolados, sendo predominante os sorotipos 1, 2 e 7. Embora em menor numero os virus influenza e parainfluenza tipo 3 tambem sao encontrados. Virus influenza A foram isolados igualmente em criancas internadas em enfermarias, salas de emergencia e nos pacientes atendidos em...