Clinical Correlation of Adenoviral Load in the Respiratory Tract Measured by Digital PCR in Immunocompromised Children

Immunocompromised patients can have life-threatening adenoviral infection. Viral load in blood and stool is commonly used to guide antiviral therapy. We developed and evaluated a digital polymerase chain reaction assay to quantify human adenovirus in the respiratory tract and showed that higher peak load correlates with disseminated infection, mechanical ventilation, and death.

Automated summary

Immunocompromised patients are at risk of life-threatening adenoviral infection. A digital polymerase chain reaction assay was developed and evaluated to measure human adenovirus in the respiratory tract, demonstrating that a higher peak viral load is associated with disseminated infection, mechanical ventilation, and death.