Identification of viruses in Acute Lower Respiratory Infections (ALRI) in Lao People's Democratic Republic

Results Between 2009 and 2010, Multiplex PCR / RT-PCR detected respiratory viruses in 111 (54.7%) of 203 samples. Single virus was detected in 44.8% (91/203) and virus co-infections were observed in 9.9% (20/203). Rhinovirus (40.5%), human Respiratory Syncytial virus (hRSV; 27.9%), and Influenza A virus (9.0%) were the most frequently detected viruses. Adenovirus and human Metapneumovirus were detected in 8.1% and 6.3% of ALRI specimen, respectively. Influenza C virus and SARS-coronavirus were not detected during the study period. Children < 5 years represented 50% of patients identified.