Multiplex PCR panel as a method of identification of respiratory viral agents in pediatric patients: experience in a private heath center

Abstract

Objective: To determine the incidence of respiratory viruses in the pediatric population hospitalized in a private health center during the period 2022-2023. Methodology: Retrospective cross-sectional analytical study. The database of the Clínica Internacional laboratory was obtained with all the patients who underwent the Pneumovir test from May 2022 to April 2023. Results: 94% of the viral PCR tests were positive and 20% of these correspond to a viral coinfection; 52.1% were women and 64.7% of the population was under 5 years of age. Among the results obtained, Influenza A, influenza A and B and influenza B correspond to a total of 58.5% of all the samples studied and respiratory syncytial virus is present in 31% of the samples obtained alone or associated with other viruses. Among the coinfections, the most common was Influenza A and RSV, which represents 11.1%. 94% of the cancer population was positive for respiratory virus and 100% of patients with a history of childhood cerebral palsy were positive and with viral coinfection. Discussion: Using the Multiplex
PCR panel, a high percentage of viral infections and coinfections was found, this is due to the high sensitivity of the test, the immunological debt and the low vaccination rate in the pediatric population. Conclusion: It is important to continue
carrying out studies of viral etiology through tests with greater sensitivity, which allows us to make decisions and establish public health measures to reduce morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population due to these agents.