Indian Journal of Microbiology Research
Official Publication of Innovative Education and Scientific Research Foundation
Official Publication of Innovative Education and Scientific Research Foundation
Introduction: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI ) in the paediatric age group. Various demographic and risk factors are associated with the severity of the disease. Aim & Objective: This study was conducted to detect RSV from ALRI cases using two different methods and to correlate the findings with various risk factors. Material & Methods: The study was carried out over a period of 2 years on 242 ALRI cases in the Paediatrics Department of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected using standard procedures and subjected to a rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) for antigen detection, and molecular detection was performed using PCR. Results: Clinical and demographic data were collected and analyzed. Among the 242 clinically diagnosed ALRI cases, 14.05% were positive for RSV by one or both methods (ICT and RT-PCR). Considering real-time RT-PCR as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the ICT were found to be 82.35%, 100%, 100%, and 97.19%, respectively. There was a significant association between risk factors such as prematurity, vitamin A supplement deficiency, and smokers in the household with RSV infections (p-values of 0.001, 0.003, and 0.002, respectively). Conclusion: The study demonstrates two different methods for identifying RSV; thus, a simple, rapid method can be used as an alternative in resource-limited settings, enabling clinicians to avoid unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in such cases. It also highlights risk factors that are adversely associated with disease morbidity, whose efficient control can significantly reduce the disease burden.
ALRI, Eastern Odisha, ICT, RT-PCR, RSV
