Seroepidemiology of Respiratory Syncitial Virus and Influenza Viruses in Cases with Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to detect encountering rates of influenza and respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) viruses in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven severe COPD patients applied to our hospital between the autumn-winter season of 2006- 2007 were included into the study. Influenza A, influenza B, and RSV specific IgA and IgG antibodies were studied by ELISA method. Results: Seropositivity rates of IgG and IgA for influenza A, influenza B and RSV were found 100% (n= 57), 75.4% (n= 43), 94.7% (n= 54) and 21% (n= 12), 17.5% (n= 10), 19.3% (n= 11), respectively. Conclusion: Seroprevalance of influenza and RSV were found high in patients with COPD. Vaccination for Influenza A and B and protection from respiratory infections are important for the prevention of acute exacerbations of COPD.

Keywords

• COPD
• influenza
• RSV