Open AccessHuman coronaviruses and other respiratory infections in young adults on a university campus: Prevalence, symptoms, and shedding
Author(s) -
Davis Brian M.,
Foxman Betsy,
Monto Arnold S.,
Baric Ralph S.,
Martin Emily T.,
Uzicanin Amra,
Rainey Jeanette J.,
Aiello Allison E.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
influenza and other respiratory viruses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.743
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1750-2659
pISSN - 1750-2640
DOI - 10.1111/irv.12563
Subject(s) - chills , rhinovirus , medicine , respiratory system , common cold , nose , viral shedding , coronavirus , virus , influenza like illness , immunology , covid-19 , surgery , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Background The prevalence, symptom course, and shedding in persons infected with the 4 most common human coronaviruses (HCoV)‐229E, HKU 1, NL 63, and OC 43 are poorly described. Objectives We estimate their prevalence and associated symptoms among college students identified via a social network study design. Patients/Methods We collected 1‐3 samples (n = 250 specimens) from 176 participants between October 2012 and January 17, 2013: participants with acute respiratory infection ( ARI ; cough and body aches or chills or fever/feverishness) and their social contacts. Virus was detected using RT ‐ PCR . Results 30.4% (76/250) of specimens tested positive for any virus tested, and 4.8% (12/250) were positive for 2 or more viruses. Human coronaviruses ( HC oVs [22.0%; 55/250]), rhinovirus (7.6%; 19/250), and influenza A (6.4%; 16/250) were most prevalent. Symptoms changed significantly over time among ARI participants with HC oV: the prevalence of cough and chills decreased over 6 days ( P = .04, and P = .01, respectively), while runny nose increased over the same period ( P = .02). HC oV‐ NL 63 was the most frequent virus detected 6 days following symptom onset (8.9%), followed by rhinovirus (6.7%). Conclusions During a 3‐month period covering a single season, HC oVs were common, even among social contacts without respiratory symptoms; specific symptoms may change over the course of HC oV‐associated illness and were similar to symptoms from influenza and rhinovirus.