Human Rhinoviruses/Enteroviruses Associated Wheezing In Children

Respiratory viruses are major causes of wheezing-associated lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are associated with wheezing and subsequent asthma in children. This study was to determine viruses that are associated with LRTI and to identify risk factors for human rhinoviruses (HRVs)/enteroviruses (HEVs) induced wheezing in children. Medical records of LRTI children age 0-15 years old whose nasopharyngeal swab samples screened for respiratory viruses using Multiplex-PCR (Luminex®200™ System) during January-December 2012 were reviewed. Subjects with positive for HRVs/HEVs were classified into 2 groups: wheeze and non- wheeze. Risk factors for the HRVs/HEVs induced wheezing were analyzed. Viruses were detected in 324 out of 520 samples (62%). Among difference aged groups (1-5 years,6-10 years and 11-15 years), children aged 1-5 years had the highest percentage of viral detection (71%vs60%vs37%, P<0.01). HRVs/HEVs were the major viruses identified in all age and were detected in all seasons, while RSV was found only in rainy-winter season. Comparing between wheeze and non-wheeze from HRVs/HEVs, there were no difference in age and sex. Children in wheeze group were significantly older than non-wheeze group (median age 34 months vs. 25 months, P=0.03). Underlying asthma or having fever were significantly associated with wheezing (P=0.04). There is no association of season and wheezing from HRVs/HEVs. Virus plays an important role in respiratory tract infection in young children. Seasonal variation has an impact on type of respiratory viral infection. Children with asthma or having fever tend to have wheezing after HRVs/HEVs infection.