Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Abstract

Specimens of 387 nasopharyngeal suction smears obtained from 354 children hospitalized with acute respiratory infections during an eight-month period were examined for the presence of respiratory syncytial (RS) virus by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody technique (IFAT) and by conventional tissue culture infectivity techniques. Respiratory syncytial virus was identified in nasopharyngeal suction smear specimens from 123 of these specimens (32%) with the use of both techniques. Of the specimens positive on tissue culture 92% were also positive for RS virus by IFAT. However, eight specimens positive for RS virus by tissue culture were negative by IFAT, although three of the specimens were technically unsuitable. Six percent of the specimens negative for RS virus by tissue culture were positive for RS virus antigen when tested by IFAT. Using IFAT, identification of RS virus could be accomplished within four to six hours, whereas isolation by tissue culture took an average period of ten days. These data suggest that IFAT is a reliable means for the rapid diagnosis of RS virus infection in infants and children.

Rapid detection of respiratory syncytial virus in nasopharyngeal specimens obtained with the rhinoprobe scraper

“…Kaul et al. (11) reported 2.5% inadequate specimens (10 of 387) with nasopharyngeal aspirates from only one institution. Other investigators have reported a higher percentage of inadequate specimens, such as 6% by Lauer (13), 11% by Freymuth et al 5, and 17% by Hendry et al (9).…”

“…These inadequate specimens originated from one institution, where several members of a specimen procurement team were responsible for collection. Kaul et al (11) reported 2.5% inadequate specimens (10 of 387) with nasopharyngeal aspirates from only one institution. Other investigators have reported a higher percentage of inadequate specimens, such as 6% by Lauer (13), 11% by Freymuth et al (5), and 17% by Hendry et al (9).…”

Detection of respiratory syncytial virus antigen in nasopharyngeal secretions by Abbott Diagnostics enzyme immunoassay

“…Tissue culture is slow, requiring 4 to 7 days before specimens become positive, and the virus may die if transport to the laboratory is delayed or if the specimen is frozen. The FAT, although rapid, requires special equipment and considerable expertise on the part of the microscopist (5,8).…”

Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Specific IgE Responses following Infection: Evidence for a Predominantly Mucosal Response

“…These results indicate that hypouricemia is common in infants with suspected SIADH and seems to be due to increased urate clearance secondary to volume expansion. (Pediatr Res 19: 424-427, 1985) Abbreviations The diagnosis of SIADH in neonates and its differentiation from other common causes of hyponatremia is often difficult (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6). In the syndrome of SIADH, dilution of body fluids occurs because of the inability of the kidney to excrete free water appropriately.…”