Evaluation of four methods for the diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus infection in older adults.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate four methods of rapid diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in older adults and to compare sensitivities with serologic analysis.


METHODS
Prospective comparative analysis.


METHODS
Two adult daycenters.


METHODS
Frail older persons attending the daycenter who developed signs or symptoms of acute respiratory illness between the months of December and February.


METHODS
Viral cultures performed by standard technique and bedside inoculation: antigen detection by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and Directigen enzyme immunoassay (EIA) on nasal brush samples; serologic analysis of acute and convalescent sera using EIA.


RESULTS
RSV infection was documented by serology in 11 of 54 (20%) subjects during the study period. Bedside viral cultures were the most sensitive assay and were positive in 6/9 infections. Standard viral culture detected 5/11 cases. Both methods of rapid antigen detection were found to be insensitive, with 1/11 detected by IFA and 0/11 detected by EIA.


CONCLUSIONS
Rapid antigen tests for the diagnosis of RSV in older persons should be used with caution.
Falsey
A R
AR
Department of Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, NY 14621-3095, USA.
McCann
R M
RM
Hall
W J
WJ
Criddle
M M
MM
D000368:Aged; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D009666:Nose / Q000821:virology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000276:immunology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012698:Serologic Tests
D000956:Antigens, Viral