Screening for Respiratory Syncytial Viruses in Hospitalised Children Aged >2 Years with Multiplex PCR: Is it Worthwhile?
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been historically considered the most common viral pathogen causing bronchiolitis in children aged <2 years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, multiplex PCR (mPCR) has become available, providing identification for RSV, COVID-19, and influenza viruses. This study compares the clinicopathological outcomes in children aged >2 years with positive RSV status identified on mPCR at admission. Methods: Children aged >2 years admitted to hospital over three years (2022-2024) with a clinical diagnosis of respiratory tract infection (RTI) and a positive mPCR result for RSV, COVID-19, or influenza viruses (the latter two serving as control groups) were included in this service review. Retrospective data were collected on sex, risk factors, respiratory support, intravenous fluids, chest X-ray, antibiotics, length of stay (LOS), and need for transfer to PICU. Results: Of 197 mPCR samples, 93 (47%) were positive (RSV n=38, COVID-19 n=34, influenza n=21). Risk factors were higher in the RSV group (20/38) compared to influenza (8/21) and COVID-19 (8/34), which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Outside the RSV season (October–February), COVID-19 accounted for most admissions (p<0.01). Use of chest X-ray, antibiotics, oxygen, and high-flow therapy was higher in the RSV group (p<0.05). Cases with RSV-associated RTIs had a longer LOS (>3 days) (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study highlights higher morbidity in children aged >2 years with RSV-associated RTIs compared to COVID-19 and influenza, particularly in those with additional risk factors, resulting in prolonged LOS. Further research is necessary to establish RSV’s exact role in older children.
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7203676573