Prevalence of Respiratory Viruses in Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease characterized by the obstruction of airflow in the lungs, airway inflammation, and decline in lung function over time, and gradual impairment in quality of life. COPD exacerbation has significant contribution to the worldwide morbidity and mortality rate and incurs extensive expenses in the healthcare resources. Respiratory viruses are a major cause of concern for patients suffering with lung diseases, such as, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The main objective of the study was to characterize the viruses prevalent in COPD patients in Northern India. During the period of 2014-2015, respiratory viruses were identified in 70.9% patients. Influenza Virus was found to be most prevalent in this study, which can possibly be due to the outbreak at the time of sample collection.