World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

CONTRIBUTION OF MULTIPLEX PCR PANEL TO THE AETIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN: EXPERIENCE FROM CHEIKH KHALIFA AND MOHAMMED VI UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS

Abdisalam Oumar Hassan*, Y. Benchchihab, Ahmed Hared Bouh, R. Arrab, I. Ammari and
N. Dini

ABSTRACT

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a leading cause of paediatric consultations and hospital admissions, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Viral pathogens account for 80–90% of cases, yet distinguishing between viral and bacterial aetiologies remains clinically challenging. Objective: To evaluate the utility of multiplex PCR panels in identifying respiratory viruses in children hospitalised with ARIs. Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational study from October 2021 to March 2023 in two university hospitals in Casablanca. Children aged 0–15 years with fever ≥38°C and respiratory symptoms were included. Nasopharyngeal swabs were analysed using a multiplex PCR panel targeting common respiratory viruses. Results: Among 64 children enrolled, the mean age was 21.6 months. At least one respiratory virus was detected in 73.2% of cases. The most frequent pathogens were respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 31.2%) and rhinovirus (20.3%). Co-infections occurred in 12.5% of cases. Clinical evolution was favourable in most patients. Conclusion: Multiplex PCR is a valuable tool for the rapid and reliable identification of respiratory viruses in children. Its integration in routine practice could enhance diagnostic accuracy and rationalise antibiotic use.

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