Analysis of respiratory viral coinfection and cytomegalovirus coisolation in pediatric inpatients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) the rates of single infection and coinfection with 7 respiratory viruses in pediatric inpatients undergoing respiratory viral cultures, (2) the rate of cytomegalovirus (CMV) coisolation in these patients and (3) the relationship between these and length of hospital stay. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all respiratory viral cultures undertaken at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia during a 4-year period. RESULTS: A total of 6706 respiratory virus cultures were identified, of which 3955 were the first nasopharyngeal or nasal specimen taken within 48 hours of admission from inpatients younger than 18 years of age. A virus was isolated in 1444 (..