Is PCR Useful in the Diagnosis of Common Respiratory Viral Illnesses?

Detection of respiratory viruses by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in children with acute respiratory infection has led to shorter hospital stays, fewer courses of antibiotics, and better understanding of etiology. Benefits of viral detection are best described for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but the clinical significance is less certain of other viruses detected on PCR in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In a case-control study conducted at an emergency department in Sweden, investigators compared PCR results collected during a noninfluenza period in 209 children (age, ≤5 years) with acute respiratory symptoms and 209 age-matched asymptomatic controls receiving well-child care. Nasopharyngeal sampling…