Sequencing of Rhinoviruses in Egyptian children with respiratory tract infections

Background: Human rhinoviruses (HRV) are one of the most common causes of upper respiratory tract infections among young children. Human rhinoviruses have a wide genetic diversity. They include three different species A, B and-C. Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is considered to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates and children. Aim of the study: To detect the common subtypes of circulating HRV among Egyptian children with respiratory infections for further epidemiological characterization. Methods: We enrolled 161 children admitted to Ain Shams Pediatric University Hospital complaining of respiratory tract infections. Human rhinoviruses were detected by RT-PCR. Sequencing of HRV was done based on viral proteins (VP4-VP2) genomic region analyses by RT-PCR. Results: HRV were detected in 54 cases (33.5%) with respiratory tract infections. Sixty-five (65) % of detected HRV was in children aged 5-10 years. Molecular sequencing showed high prevalence of HRV-C (67%) followed by HRV-A (33%). Conclusion: This study is from the first few studies that revealed diversity of HRV in Egypt. Different phylogenetic studies are needed to evaluate their diversity and to trace their spread and epidemiological origin.