Viruses
Influenza viruses are single-strand RNA viruses’ part of the orthomyxovirus family. These viruses are transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. It may take up to 2 days after infection before symptoms begin, but during this time the infected individual may still transmit the virus to others. Symptoms usually include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, and extreme fatigue. Most cases are self-limiting though vulnerable individuals, like children and elderly adults, may experience more serious symptoms that may end in death. The CDC estimates that there are anywhere from 9 to 41 million cases of flu each year with about 12 to 51 thousand deaths.
Sterling Pathology tests for Influenza A and B which are the most common subtypes that cause annual flu epidemics in the, and three different Influenza A strains can also be specifically identified: H1, H1 2009 pandemic strain, and H3.
Parainfluenza Viruses 1-4
Parainfluenza viruses are single-strand RNA viruses from the Paramyxoviridae family. There are four main subtypes that cause respiratory illness in humans, 1,2,3 and 4. Like influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses are spread through respiratory droplets but they can also be transmitted through direct contact, like shaking hands with an infected person, or through fomites like touching an inanimate object that an infected person has previously touched and then touching your eyes, nose, and other mucus membranes. After infection it takes about 2-7 days for symptoms to begin, these include fever, runny nose, and cough, if the virus infects the lower respiratory system symptoms may include croup, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Most cases occur in infants, young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Sterling Pathology can test for and detect all 4 of the major parainfluenza subtypes.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, commonly known as RSV, is a single-strand RNA virus which can be divided into two subgroups A and B. RSV is spread through respiratory droplets that are spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. In healthy adults, symptoms are mild and can include sneezing, coughing, and a runny-nose, but in young children, infants, and elderly adults, this virus can cause serious illness like bronchiolitis and pneumonia and may lead to hospitalization and death. RSV can also exacerbate chronic illnesses like asthma, and those with congestive heart failure may experience worsening symptoms due to infection with this virus. In the U.S. there are over 50,000 hospitalizations in children under the age of 5, making RSV the leading cause of severe respiratory illness in infants and young children and causes about 14,500 deaths of both infants and elderly adults annually.
Sterling Pathology tests for both A and B subtypes.
Human metapneumovirus
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a single-strand RNA virus part of the Pneumoviridae, it has two subtypes A and B. Transmission occurs when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, spreading infected droplets to other individuals. Metapneumovirus can cause mild upper and lower respiratory illnesses that include symptoms like cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, and these symptoms may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia. Young children, elderly adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk. The virus is transmitted from coughing, sneezing, close contact with an infected person or touching contaminated surfaces. The virus peaks during the late winter and spring.
Rhinovirus/Enterovirus
Rhinovirus (HRV) and Enterovirus (EV) are both members of the Picornaviridae family, and both can cause the common cold. Rhinoviruses are subdivided into three groups, A, B, and C, and these infections account for the majority of upper respiratory infections in the spring, summer, and fall. Symptoms of the common cold include runny nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, headaches, and body aches that often last 7 to 10 days. The CDC estimates that adults get around 2 – 3 colds per year and children become infected more often. Enteroviruses also cause the common cold, and were once considered rare until a nationwide outbreak in 2014. The symptoms of enteroviruses infections are similar to HRV infections, but children with asthma have a higher risk of developing a more serious respiratory illness. There are no antiviral treatments for HRV or EV.
Sterling Pathology uses one assay that detects both rhinoviruses and enteroviruses but does not distinguish between the two as they both cause the same illness.
Coronavirus
Coronaviruses belong to the <em>Coronaviridae </em>family and are single-stranded RNA viruses. Coronaviruses OC43, HKU1, NL63, and 229E can all cause mild to moderate upper respiratory illness similar to the common cold, but infants, the elderly, and patients with weakened immune systems or cardiopulmonary disease are at greater risk for developing more serious lower respiratory infections. Coronaviruses are transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In the U.S. coronavirus infections can occur year-round with a rise during the fall and winter. There is no antiviral treatment available for these infections and most are self-limiting.
Sterling Pathology has 4 assays for detection of coronaviruses OC43, HKU1, NL63, and 229E but does not distinguish between the 4 subtypes. Pandemic Covid-19, or SARS-CoV-2 is detected by a separate assay and more information is available on the Sterling Pathology website.
Adenovirus:
Adenoviruses are non-enveloped viruses that are a part of the Adenoviridae family and contain double-stranded DNA. These viruses are found everywhere in the environment and are resistant to chemical and physical damage. They are classified into types A-G and can cause a variety of diseases including respiratory infections, as well as gastroenteritis, and conjunctivitis. Adenovirus types 3,4,7 and 14 are most often associated with respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, pneumonia, croup, and bronchitis.
Sterling Pathology detects a variety of adenoviruses but does not differentiate between the different types.