Human Rhinovirus Types Found in Military Recruits' Sputum During Respiratory Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Carita Savolainen-Kopra, Soile Blomqvist, Svetlana Kaijalainen, Ulla Jounio, Raija Juvonen, Ari Peitso, Annika Saukkoriipi, Olli Vainio, Tapani Hovi, Merja Roivainen
Primary Institution: National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
Hypothesis
What is the genetic distribution of human rhinovirus strains in sputum specimens from military recruits with and without asthma during respiratory infections?
Conclusion
The study found that all known human rhinovirus species are present in the sputum of military recruits, with HRV-A being the most prevalent.
Supporting Evidence
- 146 out of 386 sputum specimens were HRV-positive.
- HRV-A strains accounted for 62.1% of the genetically typed strains.
- HRV-B strains were found mostly in summer months.
- HRV-C strains were detected in limited numbers.
Takeaway
This study looked at cough samples from soldiers to see what types of cold viruses were making them sick, and found many different kinds of these viruses.
Methodology
Sputum samples were collected from military recruits during respiratory infections and analyzed using real-time RT-PCR for HRV and HEV detection.
Potential Biases
There may be a bias in the distribution of typed strains versus the real distribution due to the small number of genetically typed strains.
Limitations
The study's sample collection does not directly link to lower respiratory disease, as specimens were also taken during upper respiratory infections.
Participant Demographics
The participants were adult military conscripts aged 17.4 to 29.6 years, including those with and without asthma.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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