[Utility of real time polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus infection among adult patients].

INTRODUCTION Viral respiratory infections (VRI) are a frequent cause of morbidity among adult population. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) produces 20%> of VRI, however diagnosis is limited for a low sensitivity of conventional (FDA and ELISA) tests. AIM To assess the impact of real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (real time RT-PCR) technique in RSV diagnosis in adult hospitalized patients; to characterize RSV infection among these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS All adults hospitalized in Hospital Clínico Universidad Católica during 8 weeks of winter season, with clinical picture of VRI, and with negative DFA for influenza A and B, parainfluenza 1, 2, 3 and adenovirus were included. Real time RT-PCR was performed from nasopharyngeal sample. Clinical information, general laboratory exams and chest X ray reports were collected. RESULTS Out of 114 patients with negative DFA, 17 (14.9%o) Debe decir: RSV cases were demonstrated using real time RT- PCR. Fever, pharyngeal congestion, cough and bronchial obstruction were present in 80%> of patients. Thirty percent of them had a baseline chronic disease and 47%> were immunocompromised. One out of 17 patients (6%) required mechanical ventilation. No mortality was observed. CONCLUSIONS Use of RT-PCR allowed increasing detection of RSV infection over 100%> among adults with VRI without virological diagnosis with conventional techniques. It is necessary to consider RSV RT-PCR test among patients with clinical picture of VRI during RSV season, with negative virological screening tests.