Respiratory syncytial virus in critically ill adult patients with community-acquired respiratory failure: a prospective observational study

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2014 Aug;20(8):O505-7. doi: 10.1111/1469-0691.12503. Epub 2014 Jan 17.

Abstract

The incidence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza virus infection was determined during three RSV seasons in 158 adult patients consecutively admitted to the intensive care unit with community-acquired respiratory failure. Nasopharyngeal swabs were tested for the presence of RSV and influenza virus by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Six patients (4%) were positive for RSV and all recovered. This finding was in sharp contrast to influenza (23 (15%) patients, 4 (17%) deaths). In conclusion, even in the midst of the RSV season, RSV is an infrequent cause of respiratory failure in adults admitted to the intensive care unit.

Keywords: Adult; influenza; intensive care unit; respiratory failure; respiratory syncytial virus.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Community-Acquired Infections / complications*
  • Community-Acquired Infections / epidemiology*
  • Community-Acquired Infections / virology
  • Critical Illness
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasopharynx / virology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / epidemiology*
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / etiology*
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / virology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / complications*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / virology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / isolation & purification*