An Outbreak of Human Coronavirus OC43 Infection and Serological Cross-reactivity with SARS Coronavirus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In summer 2003, a respiratory outbreak was investigated in British Columbia, during which nucleic acid tests and serology unexpectedly indicated reactivity for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV).

Methods

Cases at a care facility were epidemiologically characterized and sequentially investigated for conventional agents of respiratory infection, SARS-CoV and other human CoVs. Serological cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV and human CoV-OC43 (HCoV-OC43) was investigated by peptide spot assay.

Results

Ninety-five of 142 residents (67%) and 53 of 160 staff members (33%) experienced symptoms of respiratory infection. Symptomatic residents experienced cough (66%), fever (21%) and pneumonia (12%). Eight residents died, six with pneumonia. No st

SUBMITTER: Patrick DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2095096 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature