Respiratory Viral Infections in Patients With COPD Exacerbation

Background: There is growing evidence that viral infections play a role as a risk factor for COPD exacerbation. This study aimed at epidemiological evaluation of viral respiratory infections in patients COPD exacerbation. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV), influenza viruses A, B and C, Parainfluenza viruses 1, 2 and 3, picornaviruses, corona viruses, adenoviruses, HMPV (human metapneumovirus) and human bocavirus (HBOV) were screened using nested PCR from 111 sputum, nasal lavage, and throat wash samples of patients with COPD exacerbation. Results: A total of 43.24% of samples were positive for under study viruses. Influenza viruses, RSV, parainfluenza, picornaviruses, corona viruses, adenoviruses, HMPV and HBOV were detected in 3.6% (2 cases had type A and 2 cases had type C), 2.7% (all had type B), 1.8% (all had type 1), 21.6% (12 had rhinovirus and 12 had enterovirus), 17.12% (8 cases had OC43, 10 cases had 229E, and 1 case had NL63), 5.4%, 0.9% and 0.9% of under study patients, respectively. A total of 13 cases had co-infections. Conclusion: Our study showed that respiratory viral infections were associated with COPD exacerbations. Picornaviruses and corona viruses were detected to be the most common cause of infection.