title: Routine viral culture for pediatric respiratory specimens submitted for direct immunofluorescence testing.
abstract: From 1986 to 1987, 69 (25%) of 274 specimens from children with lower respiratory tract syndromes were positive for respiratory syncytial virus antigen by direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA). Comprehensive viral culture was performed on all 205 DFA-negative specimens, and 72 specimens yielded viruses; 5 specimens yielded multiple agents. Thus, 52% of specimens yielded a specific virus, supporting the routine use of viral culture. Isolates from the DFA-negative specimens included respiratory syncytial virus (n = 7), rhinovirus (n = 34), hemadsorbing viruses (n = 13), cytomegalovirus (n = 11), adenovirus (n = 8), enteroviruses (n = 3), and herpes simplex virus (n = 2). Although serologic confirmation is needed, cytomegalovirus may be an underappreciated cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in normal children. Further studies must be conducted to document this possibility.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology Memorial Medical Center of Long Beach, California 90801-1428.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Blanding
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Hoshiko
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Stutman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D001990:Bronchiolitis, Viral / Q000382:microbiology*; D002460:Cell Line; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000382:microbiology; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000382:microbiology; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000382:microbiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013048:Specimen Handling; D014780:Viruses / Q000302:isolation & purification*
chemical_list: D000956:Antigens, Viral