Occurrence and frequency of coronavirus infections in humans as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Abstract

The occurrence of human coronavirus (HCV) infections was analyzed by using sequential sera taken between 1976 and 1981 from adults working in the London area. Antibody rises to HCV 229E and HCV OC43 group viruses were measured in serum samples from these subjects by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HCV infections were found throughout the year, although most occurred during two periods, from June through September and from December through February. There were no marked seasonal differences in either the range of antibody rises obtained or in the HCV groups to which these antibody rises were directed. However, there were more HCV antibody rises during the summer than in the winter. The antibody duration varied considerably, but had a mean of 3.5 months. Finally, the frequency of HCV infection per person was calculated to be 1 per 7.8 months.

Viral upper respiratory tract infections in young children with emphasis on acute otitis media

“…parainfluenza viruses can cause a broad spectrum of respiratory diseases, ranging from mild upper respiratory infections to pneumonia, but are most often associated with laryngitis [37]. It seems that human coronavirus infections are not very common cause of respiratory infections in young children [38], whereas later in life, clinical and subclinical infections occur more often [39]. Adenoviruses infrequently cause common colds, and respiratory infections caused by these viruses tend to be severe, characterized by high and prolonged fever and strong inflammatory response [40,41].…”

Respiratory viral infections in the elderly

“…The reported frequency of infection in adults for 229E and OC43 viruses has ranged from 15 to 25 per 100 persons per year, with up to 80% of infections occurring in persons with prior antibody to the infecting virus (Cavallaro and Monto, 1970;Hamre and Beem, 1972;Hendley et al, 1972;Monto and Lim, 1974). Most large peaks of coronavirus activity have occurred in winter and early spring, but infections have been detected throughout the year Macnaughton, 1982;Monto, 1997).…”

Detection of human coronaviruses in children with acute gastroenteritis

“…The first human coronaviruses (HCoVs) 229E and OC43 were identified in the 1960s. [1][2][3][4] These viruses are common causes of upper respiratory tract infections 5,6 but also have association with lower respiratory tract disease especially in patients with underlying disease. [7][8][9] Coronavirus-like particles have also been seen by electron microscope (EM) in stool samples of both diarrheic and healthy patients evoking discussion about human enteric coronaviruses.…”