Infectious exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: place and role of respiratory viral pathogens

To determine the prevalence and spectrum of viral pathogens in patients with infectious exacerbation (IE) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 106 patients were examined, who underwent a virological examination using fast immunochromatographic tests (IC-tests), as well as real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the simultaneous identification of 12 respiratory viruses. Respiratory viruses, as the etiological factor of IE COPD were identified in (65.9 ± 4.7)% of patients. Among viral pathogens adenovirus and rhinovirus - in (24.5±6.1)% of cases each and parainfluenza virus - in (18.4±4.6)% were of greatest etiological significance for the entire observation period. The influenza A and B virus was detected much less frequently - in (8.2±3.9)% and in (4.1±2.8)% of cases, respectively; respiratory syncytial virus and bocavirus – in (6.1±3.4)% and metapneumovirus – in (8.2±3.9)% of cases. The last two types of viruses were detected in Ukraine for the first time. The spectrum of viral pathogens of IE COPD depended on the seasonal circulation of a particular type of virus, the epidemiological situation in the region, and the characteristics of the examined population. The use of modern virological diagnostic technologies testifies to the leading role of respiratory viruses in the etiology of IE COPD аnd also allows the etiological diagnosis to be established in a short period of time – from 10-15 minutes when using fast IC-tests and up to 6-8 hours – when using real-time multiplex PCR, which contributes to the timely administration of adequate etiotropic treatment.