Chest Infections

Etiological And Clinical Profile Of Virus-Associated Community-Acquired Pneumonia In Adults

Type:

Abstract Publication

Topic:

Chest Infections

Purpose:

To determine the proportion of common viral agents among patients admitted with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) with suspected viral etiology, in a tertiary care centre in south Kerala.

Methods:

Patients aged 18 years and above, with clinically suspected viral CAP between August 2017 till April 2019 were subjected to multiplex respiratory PCR panel. Etiology, clinical profile, seasonality, risk factors and outcome for viral CAP were analyzed.

Results:

217 patients with suspected viral CAP underwent respiratory multiplex PCR test. Median age was 57.38 years; 51.6% were males. 144 patients (66.4%) had a viral pathogen isolated. Influenza was the most common virus isolated, influenza A accounting for 41.67% and B 9%. Other viruses include- rhinovirus (13.89%), human metapneumovirus (HMPV- 8.33%), RSV (7.64%), parainfluenza (6.94%), coronavirus (5.56%) and adenovirus (4.17%). Among 60 patients with influenza A- strains isolated were H3, H1-2009 and some were untypeable. Seasonality was noted for influenza and RSV. 34 cases with influenza were identified during September to December 2018. RSV was isolated in both 2017 and 2018 only during months of September-November. 9 patients expired. Age > 50 years, rhinorrhea, myalgia, near normal leucocyte count and CRP were identified as independent predictors.

Conclusions:

Viral pathogens are important causes of CAP. Seasonality is demonstrated for Influenza and RSV.Multiplex PCR is a valuable tool in rapid diagnosis and management of viral pneumonia.

Clinical Implications:

Testing for virus helps to understand seasonality, in deciding timing of vaccination, infection control and antibiotic stewardship.

Disclosure:

No significant relationships.

Keywords:

Viral, Community acquired pneumonia, South Kerala