Investigation of the viral etiology of respiratory tract infection in children.

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24590839
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Public health/Health science
• Research Institution: Osaka Prefectural Institute of Public Health
• Principal Investigator: MORIKAWA Saeko 大阪府立公衆衛生研究所, その他部局等, 主任研究員 (40321939)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 呼吸器ウイルス / 重複感染 / ライノウイルス / 無症状感染者 / リアルタイムPCR / 小児

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, separate two-step real-time PCR assays were used to detect 14 RNA viruses and a DNA virus. 1) 512 nasal aspirates from the pediatric hospital with respiratory symptoms and 2) 286 gargle specimens (obtained by rinsing the throat with distilled water) from 8 children once a week were tested. 1) Of 512 specimens analyzed, 424 (83%) were positive for 1 or more viruses. Human rhinovirus species A (HRV-A) was the most frequently detected (22% of total samples). 2) The parents of children noted the existence of respiratory symptoms and systemic symptoms (fever or rash) at the time of each sampling. HRV-A was the most common agents (5%) detected from the samples of children without any symptoms. These results suggested that HRV-A is highly common respiratory agent in children and the clinical severity of HRV infections is dependent on mainly host’s factors. Respiratory viral infection without any symptoms may play an important role in the viral circulation in human populations.

Free Research Field

ウイルス感染症