Feasibility of parental collected nasal swabs for virus detection in young children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The detrimental role of viruses has been well described in CF, although the pattern of virus infections has not been investigated in a longitudinal study. The primary aim was to determine the feasibility of fortnightly parent collected swabs in young children with CF. METHODS: Children under three years with CF were recruited. Nasal swabs were collected by parents every fortnight and during periods of symptoms over 12 months. Nasal swabs were posted and virus detected using real-time PCR. RESULTS: Only 27% of the patients completed the study to 10 months, although 98% of the swabs returned were adequate for analysis. Mould was observed growing on 23% of the returned swabs. There ..