Investigation of Respiratory Tract Agents with Multiplex PCR in Children with Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to detect respiratory infection pathogens in pediatric patients aged 0–18 years presenting with upper respiratory tract symptoms using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, to analyze their seasonal distribution, and to evaluate their clinical characteristics. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted through the analysis of PCR test results in 594 pediatric patients presenting to a university hospital in Kars, Türkiye, with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. The respiratory PCR panel included seven pathogens: Influenza A/B, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, Adenovirus, Rhinovirus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Data were analyzed using SPSS v20. Results: At least one respiratory pathogen was detected in 44.8% of patients. The most frequently identified pathogens were Influenza B (17.2%) and Rhinovirus (7.9%). RSV positivity was found in 4.4% of cases, and 42.3% of RSV-positive patients required hospitalization. Seasonally, RSV and Influenza A infections were more common in winter, while Rhinovirus and Adenovirus were more frequently observed during spring and summer. The co-infection rate was 9.4%, with the most common combination being RSV and Influenza B. Conclusion: Molecular diagnostic methods play a crucial role in the early and accurate identification of respiratory pathogens. Pathogens such as RSV may lead to more severe clinical courses, while the monitoring of widespread agents like Influenza B is critical for outbreak management. Our findings indicate that appropriate antibiotic use and seasonal surveillance are essential in managing pediatric URTIs.

Keywords

• pediatrics
• upper respiratory tract infections
• multiplex PCR

References

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