Epidemiology and characteristics of respiratory viral infection in 2006-2016 in Korean children

Background and objective: It is well known that epidemiological characteristics of respiratory viral infection is different by several factors including seasons. This study was aim to investigate the patterns of prevalence of common respiratory viruses from 2006 to 2016 by age, sex and seasons in Korean children. Methods: From June 2006 to November 2016, we obtained 11,798 specimens from patients who were admitted with lower respiratory infections, aged under 18 years old. Specimens were screened for 10 respiratory viruses including human rhinovirus (HRV), respiratory synthitial virus (RSV), adenovirus (ADV), human bocavirus (HBoV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), influenza virus A (IFV A), Influenza virus B (IFV B), metapneumovirus (MNV), human enterovirus (HEV), human coronavirus (HCoV). Respiratory viruses were detected using multiplex RT PCR. Results: Out of 11,798 specimens, one or more viruses were detected in 4,271 (36.2%) specimens. Mean age of subjects were 20 months (IQR 8.0-40.0 months). HRV (14.8%) was the most common virus found, followed by RSV (10.1%), ADV (9.5%), HBoV (7.4%). The ratio of HRV detection was higher in male subjects (male 15.8% vs female 13.6%, P = 0.004). The median age of subjects who were positive in viral detection was younger than others (15 month vs 20 month, P Conclusion: We investigated the characteristics of the prevalence of respiratory virus in Korean children for 10 years. For clinical implication of this results or prevention of the misuse of antibiotics, we need more surveillance worldwidely.