Respiratory viral infections in Western Australians with cystic fibrosis

Background: Viral respiratory infections (VRI) in people living with Cystic fibrosis (CF) is less well understood than respiratory bacterial infections, particularly adults with CF and few studies have compared children with adults. This study evaluated the frequency of respiratory viruses in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) in Western Australia (WA). We determined the VRI in CF and compared them with non-CF patients. Further, we compared CF patients that were hospitalised with those that were not. Patients/methods: Nucleic acid from sputum of 157 CF and 348 non-CF patients was analysed for influenzavirus A (Flu A) and B, (Flu B), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), human rhinovirus (RV), and parainfluenza viruses (PIV 1-3) by RT-PCR, during the 2016 winter respiratory season. Results: No significant difference in the frequency of respiratory virus detection between CF and non-CF patients was found. RV was the most frequently detected virus in CF patients, and in hospitalised CF. RSV and hMPV were found less frequently in CF patients and RSV was not found in any hospitalised CF patient. A trend for fewer influenzavirus detections in adult CF patients was observed, however the trend was opposite for paediatric patients. RV and Flu A were the most common viruses detected in hospitalised CF patients. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in VRI between CF and non-CF patients. RV and influenza A were most commonly found in hospitalised CF patients, suggesting that infection with these viruses may contribute to hospitalisation for CF respiratory exacerbations.