Enhanced detection of respiratory syncytial virus by shell vial in children hospitalised with respiratory illnesses in northern Jordan.

During the period between November 1997 and May 1998, a total of 350 nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from children admitted to the Respiratory Disease Unit at Princess Rahma Hospital, northern Jordan, and diagnosed clinically as suffering from respiratory tract infections. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were investigated for the presence of respiratory syncycial virus (RSV) by using shell vial (SV) culture assay, conventional culture assay, and direct immunofluorescence assay. Out of 350 nasopharyngeal aspirates, 101(28.9%) were found positive by any of SV, conventional culture, and immunofluorescence; 91 (90.1%) by SV, 87(86.1%) by culture, and 83(82.2%) by immunofluorescence. The maximum number of virus isolations was noted in children below the age of 1 year and was associated with bronchiolitis. SV assay showed the highest sensitivity (94.3%) and specificity (96.9%) for detecting RSV from nasopharyngeal aspirates. These results emphasise the importance of SV culture assay for diagnosis of RSV, although immunofluorescence is a valuable, rapid diagnostic assay. Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss Inc.