Abstract

MORA, Doris; ALFARO, Wilbert; TAYLOR, Lizeth  and  HUN, Laya. Detection of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus subtypes A and B in hospitalized children in Costa Rica. Acta méd. costarric [online]. 2011, vol.53, n.1, pp.20-25. ISSN 0001-6002.

Aim: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) a Pneumovirus belonging to Paramyxovridae family is a common cause of severe lower respiratory disease in neonates and young children especially in the first years of life. It causes frequent hospitalizations and visits to the emergency rooms. Utilizing monoclonal antibodies and nucleotide sequences, 2 major subtypes of RSV subgroups have been identified: RSV-A and RSV-B.The aim of study was to establish for the first time the circulation of both subtypes of RSV A and B in a hospitalized population of children from “Hospital Nacional de Niños” during the peak season of 2008.   Methods: Forty nine samples from nasopharyngeal aspirates from hospitalized children, of 197 samples previously reported positive by IFA were analyzed using cell culture and a Multiplex nested RT-PCR for RSV-A and B standardized in the Virology Laboratory.   Results: Incidence of RSV was 34 % in HNN in August and September, 2008. Of 49 samples, 41(84%) were positive; 34 (83 %) for subtype A and 7 (17 %) for B, and 8 were negative. None of the patients had mixed RSVinfections and there were no evident differences in symptomatology, age or geographical origin of the children. Culture was positive only in 30 % of the samples.   Conclusions: The frequency of RSV was 34 % in the total group of samples in the study period. This is a preliminary report of the circulation of RSV subtypes A and B in a small cohort from the HNN in Costa Rica, confirmed by multiplex nested RT-PCR standardized in the laboratory.

Keywords : Respiratory Syncytial Virus; Human; RSV subtypes A and B; Child; hospitalized; Costa Rica.

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