Investigation Of Parainfluenza Virus Caused Lower Respiratory Tract Infections In Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Aim: Respiratory infections caused by PIV are related to major morbidity and hospitalization rates in infants and young children. The aim of the present retrospective study is to investigate the rate and seasonal distribution of PIV infections in pediatric patients with lower respiratory tract infections.

Patients and Methods: Nasopharyngeal swab specimens of pediatric in- and outpatients with the diagnosis of lower respiratory infection were collected from various pediatric clinics between January 2014 and December 2016. PIV types 1, 2, 3 and 4 were identified by multiplex real time PCR method.

Results: One of the four PIV types was identified in 224 of 1983 nasopharyngeal swab specimens of patients aged less than 18 years (11.3%). PIV-3 was the most common agent among the subtypes (75%) followed by PIV- 4 (15.2%). The rate of PIV-1 and PIV-2 were 5.8% and 4%, respectively. Of all pediatric patients, 75.9% were under 5 years of age. When the seasonal distribution was examined, it was determined that PIV-3 was frequently observed in summer (53.6%), whereas PIV-1 and PIV-2 were observed in autumn and winter months.

Conclusion: PIV-3 was the most common subtype. Prompt identification of PIV by multiplex real time PCR method would be very helpful for clinicians in the treatment and prevention of the respiratory infections caused by viral pathogens.