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Impact of respiratory virus infection in patients with chronic chest disease

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

M. J. Wiselka*
Affiliation:
Department of Infectious Diseases, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW
J. Kent
Affiliation:
Department of Infectious Diseases, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW
J. B. Cookson
Affiliation:
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Glenfield General Hospital, Leicester LE3 9QQ, UK
K. G. Nicholson
Affiliation:
Department of Infectious Diseases, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW
*
*Dr M. J. Wiselka, Infections Diseases Unit, Ward 38, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW.
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Summary

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This study investigated the morbidity associated with respiratory virus infections in patients with well-documented chest disease, and the risk of transmission between close contacts. Patients informed the study team if they were exposed to a family member or colleague with a cold. Patients and symptomatic index cases recorded respiratory symptoms during the study period. Acute nasopharyngeal swabs and paired sera were obtained for viral diagnosis.

Twenty-five (43%) of 58 recorded exposures resulted in a symptomatic illness and 16 (28%) patients developed lower respiratory tract symptoms. Sixteen (64%) of the 25 symptomatic patients contacted their general practitioner, 14 (56%) received antibiotics and 4 (16%) were hospitalized. Mean duration of illness was 10·6 days in symptomatic patients and 5·7 days in their corresponding index cases (P < 0·005). Mean symptom scores were 100·6 in symptomatic patients and 62.2 in index cases (P < 0·01). Respiratory viruses were identified in 19 (33%) episodes. Rhinovirus, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus infections were all associated with lower respiratory tract exacerbations.

Respiratory tract symptoms following exposure to a cold were comparatively severe in these patients with chronic chest disease. This group of patients might gain particular benefit from the introduction of effective vaccines or antiviral therapy.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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