LAUSR

BACKGROUND We investigated the incidences and age-related/seasonal variations of respiratory virus infections in a regional area in Korea. METHODS A total of 3,467 respiratory specimens from patients with acute respiratory infection symptoms in a teaching hospital were tested for respiratory viruses during 2013 - 2015. RESULTS At least one virus was detected in 2,561 of the 3,467 specimens (73.9%), and 706 patients (20.4%) were positive for two or more viruses. The most frequently detected viruses were rhinovirus (23.9%), respiratory syncytial virus B (15.5%), and adenovirus (12.5%). Most of the patients (with and without a detected virus) were children. Young children (< 5 years old) were significantly more likely to have two or more viruses compared to older individuals (p < 0.0001). Most viruses exhibited seasonal variations. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed the incidence of respiratory virus infections. These findings can enhance our understanding of the distribution of respiratory viruses according to patient age and season.