Results of Polymerase Chain Reaction in Nasopharyngeal Swab Specimens of Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection - Original Investigation

Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the distribution and frequency of viral agents isolated by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from nasopharyngeal swab specimens in patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of lower respiratoy tract infection.Material and Methods: Eighty-seven children who were diagnosed either as bronchiolitis, bronchopneumonia or pneumonia between February to August 2010 were enrolled in the study. Data regarding age, sex, symptoms at presentation, physical findings, markers of infection and chest radiography were obtained retrospectively from medical records of patients. Clinical diagnosis, medication and duration of hospitalization were noted. Results of a virus scan by the PCR method in nasopharyngeal swab specimens of study population were evaluated.Results: A total of 87 cases were followed up with the diagnosis of bronchiolitis, bronchopneumonia or pneumonia. At least one virus was isolated in 59 of 87 cases (67.8%) by PCR, while no viral agent was detected in 28 (32.2%). In 58.6% of the patients, a single viral agent was estabished and multiple agents were isolated in 9.2%. The most common viral agents were rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus (26.4%, 10.3% and 6.9%, respectively). Conclusion: Isolation of a viral agent by PCR in the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection will prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics. We are of the opinion that a virus scan by PCR will be beneficial for both patients and the national economy.