Diversity of human rhinovirus species among children with severe or mild acute lower respiratory infection in Beijing, China, during 2016–2019

Background Human rhinovirus (HRV) infections were confirmed in severe acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) . Methods To evaluate the diversity and circulation pattern of HRVs species, specimens were collected from pediatric patients with ALRI during Dec 2016 to Feb 2019 and screened by RVP FAST Assay. Specimens positive for HRVs/ Enteroviruses (EVs) were then tested for HRVs and EVs by PCR. Then the capsid protein gene of HRVs was amplified and sequenced for species identification, and clinical data of HRV infections were analyzed. The chi-square (χ 2 ) test and rank sum test was used for statistical analysis using SPSS Statistics 22.0 version. In order to test and evaluate the relationship between patients positive for different HRV species and the outcome of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (ICU group) or Department of Respiratory admission (Respiratory group), a logistic model was constructed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results Among 1835 specimens tested, 363 (19.8%) were positive for EVs/HRVs, and 314 (86.5%, 314/363) were positive for HRVs, including 177 (56.4%, 177/314) HRV A, 29 (9.2%, 29/314) HRV B, and 108 (34.4%, 108/314) HRV C. Using HRV C as the control species, HRV A was a dangerous factor for severe clinical outcome (OR=1.983, 95% CI=1.091-3.605) ( p =0.025). Patients positive for HRVs from ICU group were significantly younger than those from Respiratory group (0.39 years: 1.80 years, p =0.000) and age was confirmed as a protective factor for severe ALRI. In August and September, HRV A and B are the dominant species, then HRV C in October and December. Among 96 types confirmed in the study, the predominant types usually showed in no consecutive years. Conclusions HRVs were important viral pathogens for ALRI in children. HRV A and C are more popular. Compared to HRV C, HRV A were associated more powerful with severe ALRI. The risk of severe ALRI by HRVs infections is decreased with the increasing of age.