Prospective evaluation of diagnostic tools for respiratory viruses in children and adults

J Virol Methods. 2019 Apr:266:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2019.01.006. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Abstract

Aim: To compare the performances of molecular and non-molecular tests to diagnose respiratory viral infections and to evaluate the pros and contras of each technique.

Methods: Two hundred ninety-nine respiratory samples were prospectively explored using multiplex molecular techniques (FilmArray Respiratory Panel, Clart Pneumovir), immunological techniques (direct fluorescent assay, lateral flow chromatography) and cell cultures.

Findings: Molecular techniques permitted the recovery of up to 50% more respiratory pathogens in comparison to non-molecular methods. FilmArray detected at least 30% more pathogens than Clart Pneumovir which could be explained by the differences in their technical designs. The turnaround time under 2 hours for the FilmArray permitted delivery of results when patients were still in the emergency room.

Keywords: Cell culture; Clart Pneumovir; FilmArray Respiratory Panel; Immunofluorescence; Lateral flow chromatography; Respiratory viruses.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Line
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique / standards*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / standards*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / diagnosis*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / virology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Virus Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Virus Diseases / virology
  • Viruses / genetics
  • Viruses / isolation & purification*