Distribution of respiratory viruses: Evaluation of multiplex PCR results of 3074 patients

OBJECTIVE: Early and accurate diagnosis of acute respiratory infections is important because these diseases negatively affect public health and can lead to loss of workforce and an increase in health expenditures. In this study, we aimed to determine the respiration panel multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results and seasonal distribution in our region. METHODS: Three thousand and seventy-four patients samples multiplex PCR (Anatolia, Bosphore[R] Respiratory Pathogens Panel Kit v1) test results, which were sent to our laboratory, from 13 hospitals in our region between January 2018 and December 2018, were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 3074 patients samples, 1465 (48%) were positive and 1609 (52%) were negative test results. The most common factors were rhinovirus 30.2%, influenza A 23.1%, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A/B 19.1%, respectively. When the distribution of these three most common viruses by months is examined, the most frequent months were determined as June for rhinovirus, November for influenza A, and February for RSV A/B. In the period between October and February, there was a significant increase in the positivity level of viral factors. CONCLUSION: The use of molecular methods in the diagnosis of respiratory infections will prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics and ensure correct and rapid treatment. Keywords: Respiratory tract infection; multiplex polymerase chain reaction; virus.