Özet:

Objective Respiratory tract infections are among the most common diseases in all age groups, and the prevalence and seasonal distribution of the agents may differ between geographical regions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and seasonal distribution of respiratory tract agents in patients admitted to Süleyman Demirel University Research and Practice Hospital. Material and Methods Respiratory tract samples sent to the Medical Microbiology Laboratory from patients with a prediagnosis of acute respiratory tract infection between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 were investigated for the presence of viral and bacterial agents by multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (MRT-PCR) method (FTD Respiratory Pathogens 21 plus, Fast Track Diagnostics, Luxembourg). The results of a total of 120 patients, 20 children and 100 adults, were analyzed retrospectively. Results One or more agent positivity was detected in 71 (59.2%) of the samples, while no agent was detected in 49 (40.8%) of the samples. Positivity was detected in 9 (45%) of the pediatric patients and 62 (62%) of the adults. The most common viral and bacterial agents causing infection were determined as rhinovirus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, respectively. While rhinovirus (n=20) and S.pneumoniae (n=16) were detected throughout the year, it was observed that coronaviruses (n=15) caused infection more frequently in winter and spring months, influenza viruses (n=9) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A/B (n=8) in winter months. Conclusion In this study, which is the first research conducted in our province for the identification of respiratory tract pathogens by molecular methods, the most common agents in children and adults were found to be RSV A/B and rhinovirus, respectively. Simultaneous, rapid and sensitive detection of viral and bacterial agents responsible for respiratory tract infections by MRTPCR method will guide clinicians in terms of preventing unnecessary antibiotic use and infection control.

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