Human coronavirus NL63 associated with lower respiratory tract symptoms in early life.
Coronavirus NL63 has been identified as a new member of the coronavirus genus, but its role as a cause of respiratory disease needs to be established. We studied the first episode of lower respiratory tract symptoms in a cohort of healthy neonates. NL63 was identified in 6 (7%) of 82 cases and was as frequent as other coronaviruses (9%). NL63 was recovered at the onset of symptoms and was cleared within 3 weeks in half of the cases. Our data suggests that coronavirus NL63 causes lower respiratory tract symptoms and is acquired in early life.
Kaiser
Laurent
L
Central Laboratory of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. laurent.kaiser@hcuge.ch
Regamey
Nicolas
N
Roiha
Hanna
H
Deffernez
Christelle
C
Frey
Urs
U
D017934:Coronavirus / Q000145:classification* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D018352:Coronavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012621:Seasons; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology