Dataset Information

Human coronavirus NL63 infections in infants hospitalised with acute respiratory tract infections in South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) is a novel respiratory virus which is associated with respiratory tract infections in children.

Objective

To determine the role of HCoV-NL63 in infants and young children hospitalised with acute respiratory tract infections (ARI) in Cape Town, South Africa.

Methods

Respiratory specimens were collected from 1055 infants and young children hospitalised with ARI in 2003-2004. Samples were screened by RT-PCR to detect HCoV-NL63 and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Standard shell vial culture and immunofluoresence was used to detect the common respiratory viruses including RSV, influenza A and B viruses, parainfluenza viruses 1, 2, 3, adenovirus and CMV.