Detection of adenovirus infection in children in Jordan.

Between November 1997 and May 1998, 350 nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) were obtained from children admitted to the Respiratory Disease Unit at Princess Rahma Hospital, northern Jordan who were clinically diagnosed as suffering from respiratory tract infections. NPA were investigated for the presence of adenovirus using shell vial (SV) culture assay, conventional culture (CC) assay, and direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA). Of the 350 NPA, adenoviruses were detected in 54 (15.4%) by the combined techniques used. SV identified 34 (63%), CC 48 (89%) and DFA 30 (56%). Most virus isolations were in children aged 1-< 5 years old and were associated with pneumonia in 39% and bronchopneumonia in 32%. SV assay showed a sensitivity and specificity of 68.8% and 99.7%, respectively, for detecting adenovirus from NPA. These results emphasize that CC assay is still important for the diagnosis of adenovirus, although SV and DFA are superior diagnostic assays.

Prevalence of parainfluenza and influenza viruses amongst children with upper respiratory tract infection.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Parainfluenza and Influenza causing upper respiratory tract infections and to evaluate shell vial culture assay and direct immunofluorescence assay. METHODS: A retrospective study during the period between November 1997 and May 1998. A total of 350 nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from children suffering from respiratory tract infections. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were investigated for the presence of Parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3, Influenza A and B using shell vial culture assay, conventional culture assay and direct immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: Parainfluenza 1 were identified in 3%, Parainfluenza 2 in 5% and Parainfluenza 3 in 6%. Influenza A were identified in 4% and Influenza B in 2%. Parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3 were isolated in children less than 5 years old. Most of Parainfluenza cases were associated with other upper respiratory infections. Shell vial assay showed a sensitivity of 90-93% and specificity of 99-100% for detecting Parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: These results emphasize that shell vial assay is important for the diagnosis of Parainfluenza and Influenza, although direct immunofluorescence assay is the superior diagnostic assay.