Molecular epidemiology and clinical features of rhinovirus infections among hospitalized patients in a medical center in Taiwan
Journal
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection
Journal Volume
52
Journal Issue
2
Pages
233-241
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Hung H.-M.
Yang S.-L.
Chen C.-J.
Chiu C.-H.
Kuo C.-Y.
Lin T.-Y.
Hsieh Y.-C.
Gong Y.-N.
Tsao K.-C.
Huang Y.-C.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Human rhinovirus (HRV) can cause severe illnesses in hospitalized patients. However, there are no studies regarding the prevalence of HRV infection, particularly the recently identified HRV-C, in hospitalized patients reported from Taiwan. METHODS: Respiratory specimens collected from 487 hospitalized patients in designated wards between 2013 and 2014 in a medical center in northern Taiwan were retrospectively detected for HRV. Positive specimens were further determined for genotyping. Medical charts of the HRV-positive patients were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Totally, 76 patients (15.6%) were HRV positive, of which 60 were pediatric patients. HRV-A was identified in 41 (54%) patients, HRV-B in 6 patients (7.9%) and HRV-C in 29 patients (38%). A total of 47 different genotypes were identified. HRV infections were predominant during fall and winter seasons. 21.1% were affected by HRV alone and 78.9% were found to be co-infected with other microorganisms. The detection rate of HRV in children (18.6%) was significantly higher than in adults (9.6%). Compared with pediatric patients, adult patients were significantly associated with underlying disease, Pneumocystis jirovesii pneumonia co-infection, a diagnosis of pneumonia, fatal outcome, hospital acquisition of HRV, antibiotics administration and requiring intensive care, while pediatric patients were significantly associated with viral co-infection. CONCLUSIONS: HRV was a common cause of respiratory tract infection in Taiwan, particularly in pediatric patients. Eighty percent of HRV-infected inpatients had other microorganisms co-infection. Adult patients were more likely to be associated with a severe respiratory disease entity.
SDGs
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Type
journal article