Detection and characterisation of common respiratory viruses causing community acquired pneumonia

Introduction: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a disease with high morbidity and mortality. In spite of the significance of CAP almost all basic data including the incidence of respiratory viruses for the German population were missing. The aim of this project was to obtain information on the impact of common respiratory viruses and get knowledge of their antigenic or genetic profile. Methods: Respiratory specimens (nose and/or throat) were obtained from CAP patients and processed for molecular detection and virus cultivation of influenza viruses, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), adenoviruses and enterovi…