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. 2013 Feb;75(2):169-73.
doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2012.10.016. Epub 2012 Nov 22.

Viral detection using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based assay in outpatients with upper respiratory infection

Surbhi Leekha  1 , Cole L Irish, Susan K Schneider, Emily C Fernholz, Mark J Espy, Scott A Cunningham, Robin Patel, Young J Juhn, Bobbi Pritt, Thomas F Smith, Priya Sampathkumar
Affiliations

Viral detection using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based assay in outpatients with upper respiratory infection

Surbhi Leekha et al. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2013 Feb.

Abstract

We evaluated a commercial multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in a cross-sectional study among 81 adult and pediatric outpatients-40 cases with upper respiratory infection symptoms and 41 asymptomatic controls-from February to April 2008. Two specimens (throat swab and nasal swab) from each participant were tested using the EraGen MultiCode-PLx Respiratory Virus Panel that detects 17 viral targets. Throat swabs were also tested for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) by PCR. Respiratory viruses were detected in 22/40 (55%) cases and in 3/41 (7%) controls (P < 0.001). GAS was detected in 10 (25%) cases; GAS and respiratory virus co-infection was found in 4 (10%). Agreement between nasal and throat swabs for viral detection was 69% in cases and 95% in controls. Of 22 cases with a detectable virus, 12 (54%) were picked up by only 1 (throat or nasal) specimen, and the detection rate was increased by combining results of nasal and throat swab testing.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Viral etiologic agents of upper respiratory infection in outpatients.
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