68 Respiratory viral detection in children with cystic fibrosis (CF)

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the presence of respiratory viruses in CF patients at routine visits during the two-month period (November-December 2014) and to determine the clinical impact of this finding. METHODS: Nasopharyngeal swabs/aspirates from 35 patients were tested using a PCR method (Serplex® RV15 Onestep ACE Detection), detecting 15 respiratory viruses (adenovirus, coronavirus 229E/NL63 and OC43, parainfluenza virus 1, 2, 3 and 4, influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus A and B, rhinovirus (RV), metapneumovirus, boccavirus and enterovirus). RESULTS: Patients were 2–24 yrs old (AVR 12 y), 13 chronically colonised with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). Lung function test for 30 subjects showed: 9 normal findings; 11 mild, 7 moderate and 3 severe lung disease. There was no significant difference regarding lung function or PA status between the subgroups of patients positive or negative for viruses. Viruses were detected in 4/35 subjects (2 RV, 1 enterovirus, 1 parainfluenza virus 3) and 3 had concomitant PA isolation (1 chronic colonisation). However, no acute worsening of the respiratory status was found, determined as the presence of fever and upper respiratory symptoms or a recent change in at least two of the following: sputum volume or colour, cough intensity, increased malaise, increased dyspnea, loss of appetite, a decrease of FEV(1) >10% (modified Fuchs criteria). CONCLUSION: In this pilot study chronic PA infection wasn't associated with a higher rate of viral detection and no immediate negative consequences of virus detection on the respiratory status of CF patients was observed. Further study is needed.