Use of a multiplex real-time PCR to study the incidence of human metapneumovirus and human respiratory syncytial virus infections during two winter seasons in a Belgian paediatric hospital.

ABSTRACT: Viruses are an important cause of acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) in children. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a rapid molecular diagnostic test (duplex real-time PCR) for human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and to determine the frequency of these two viruses as causative agents of ARTI in Belgium. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected over two winter and spring seasons (November 2003 to May 2004 and November 2004 to May 2005) from children aged <5 years with ARTI (n = 778). The duplex real-time PCR showed a linear range of 10(4)-10(10) copies/mL for both hMPV and hRSV. Analysis of the stability of the hRSV and hMPV genomes revealed that nasopharyngeal aspirates could be stored at room temperature for up to 1 month without signific

SUBMITTER: Bonroy C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7162220 | biostudies-literature | 2007 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature