Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Coronavirus Rates in Iranian Elderly Patients More than 60 Years Old with Acute Respiratory Symptoms

BACKGROUND: Scientists have believed that a number of risk factors, especially viral infectious agents, can be related to respiratory diseases. Due to the pandemics in 2019, Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Coronavirus have attracted the attention of different kinds of research. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the prevalence of these viruses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After extracting the RNA and DNA of these viruses, molecular tests were employed to report the rate of them in patients suffering from respiratory symptoms. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that 31 samples were COVID-19 positive. Furthermore, two cases had Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) subgroup A infections. However, no cases showed a coinfection of both viruses. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that during the pandemic of COVID-19, RSV should not be ignored as it can be responsible for the respiratory syndrome.