title: Efficiency of immunofluorescence for rapid detection of common respiratory viruses.
abstract: Rapid immunofluorescence (FA) methods for the detection of common respiratory viruses were compared with culture results over a 3-year period to assess the relative efficiency of FA in a clinical laboratory setting. For respiratory syncytial virus, efficiencies were high (sensitivity, 90 to 95%; specificity, 92 to 95%). The sensitivity of FA for detection of parainfluenza virus type 1, parainfluenza virus type 3, influenza A virus, and adenoviruses ranged from 28 to 63%, but specificities for these viruses were uniformly 98 to 100%. The observations form a basis for consideration of selective reduction of routine culture procedures for specimens with initial positive rapid FA results; however, the possibility of dual viral infection in some situations must also be considered.
mesh_terms: D000257:Adenoviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000258:Adenovirus Infections, Human / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000260:Adenoviruses, Human / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018108:Respirovirus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010253:Respirovirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D000956:Antigens, Viral