Development of a multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay for detection of human parainfluenza viruses in patients with respiratory symptoms

Aim: The human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are common viral causes of both upper and lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children. The purpose of this study was to develop a real-time reverse transcription PCR assay to detect HPIVs in clinical specimens in a single test. Specimens: Specific primers and probes matched to conserved region of hemagglutinin–neuraminidase genes were designed. Clinical specimens were collected from hospitalized children of ≤5 years old. Results & conclusion: Of 230 specimens, 48 samples contained one of HPIV types 1–4. The most percentage of positive HPIVs belonged to HPIV2. HPIVs were found in fall, winter and spring but not in summer months. In conclusion, our in-house multiplex real-time reverse transcription PCR is a suitable technique for simultaneous detection of HPIVs in clinical samples.