Respiratory viral infections by Non-influenza viruses are associated
with more adverse clinical outcome in patients with underlying liver
disease: a single centre laboratory based study.
Abstract
Background Respiratory viral infections are an important cause of acute
respiratory tract infections. They are caused by both Influenza and non
influenza viruses. Respiratory viral infections are known to be
associated with severe clinical outcome especially in the critically
ill. A constant surveillance is needed for early etiological
identification which can help in timely and appropriate management.
Methods In this retrospective study, clinical records of all adult liver
disease patients with clinically confirmed ARI, whose request for
respiratory viral testing were received in the virology laboratory
during September 2016 - March 2019 were reviewed. Respiratory viruses
were identified by real time PCR on FilmArray 2.0 instrument (BioFire
Diagnostics, Utah, USA) using Respiratory panel as per the
manufacturer’s instructions. Results Of the 603 patients of liver
disease with clinically confirmed influenza like illness, over all
incidence of respiratory viral infection was 24.3% (n= 147). Infections
by non-influenza viruses (87, 59.1%) were more than influenza group of
viruses. Mortality was higher in non influenza group (43, 49.4%) as
compared to influenza (24, 40%) [p=0.015] being maximum in
Rhinovirus, 22 (32.8%). Two peaks were observed in both influenza and
non influenza groups, first in the months of January and February and
the other one in August and October. Conclusion With the emergence of
SARS- CoV-2 it has now become imperative for a constant surveillance of
the non influenza viruses for early etiological identification of the
respiratory viral infection for proper and timely management in the
critically ill.