Molecular Investigation of Seven Respiratory Viruses in Patients with Acute Respiratory Tract Infections

Introduction: Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is among the important factors that can threaten human health and is one of the most prevalent etiological agents of death, especially in young children. Viruses account for approximately 80% of various RTIs worldwide. Our study aimed to investigate the molecular prevalence of seven respiratory viruses in RTI. Our results can help develop appropriate public health strategies and treatment management of RTIs. Materials and Methods: 120 respiratory samples were obtained from patients with flu-like manifestations from hospitals referred to the Iran University of Medical Sciences during 2020-2022. Nucleic acid extraction was performed, and then real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the specimens to investigate seven respiratory viruses. Results: Of the 120 respiratory specimens collected from patients with RTI, viruses were identified in 41 (34.16%) samples, encompassing 24 (40.7%) females and 17 (27.9%) males. SARS-CoV-2 (n = 22, 18.3%) and Parainfluenza virus (n=18, 15%) were the predominant detected viruses in the present study, followed by respiratory syncytial viruses (n=1, 0.8%). Other viruses like Metapneumovirus, Adenovirus, Bocavirus, and Rhinovirus were not found in our study. We could not detect any co-infection in our analysis. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 and Parainfluenza-virus were the predominant viruses detected in our study, followed by respiratory syncytial viruses. Other viruses, such as Metapneumovirus, Adenovirus, Bocavirus, and Rhinovirus, have not been found in our study. We could not detect any co-infection in our consideration. This result can help develop appropriate public health strategies, targeting prevention and avoiding inappropriate treatment such as using unnecessary antibiotics.