Pediatr Crit Care Me
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Sep 2015
Detection of Multiple Respiratory Viruses Associated With Mortality and Severity of Illness in Children.
Respiratory viral infection is a common source of morbidity and mortality in children. Coinfection with multiple viruses occurs frequently; however, the clinical significance of concomitant viral pathogens is unclear. We hypothesized that presence of more than one respiratory virus is associated with increased morbidity and mortality when compared with children with a single respiratory virus. ⋯ Children with multiple respiratory viruses may be at increased risk of moderate or severe illness and mortality, with previously healthy children potentially being at greatest risk. Further studies are indicated to determine the significance and generalizability of this finding and to better understand the pathophysiology of viral coinfection.