Respiratory illness caused by picornavirus infection: A review of clinicaloutcomes

Background: Respiratory infections result from invasion of the respiratory tract, mainly by viruses, and are the leading cause of acute morbidity in i ndividuals of all ages worldwide. During peak season, picornaviruses cause 82% of all episodes of acute nasopharyngitis (the common cold), the most fr equent manifestation of acute respiratory infection, and produce more restr iction of activity and physician consultations annually than any other vira l or bacterial source of respiratory illness. Objective: This article reviews the clinical impact and outcomes of picorna virus-induced respiratory infections in specific populations at risk for co mplications. It also discusses the potential economic impact of the morbidi ty associated with picornavirus-induced respiratory infection. Methods: Relevant literature was identified through searches of MEDLINE, OV ID, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Lexis-Nexis. The search ter ms used were picornavirus, rhinovirus, enterovirus, viral respiratory infec tion, upper respiratory infection, disease burden, economic, cost, complica tions, asthma, COPD, immunocompromised, elderly, otitis media, and sinusiti s. Additional publications were identified from the reference lists of the retrieved articles. Conclusions: Based on the clinical literature, picornavirus infections are associated with severe morbidity as well as considerable economic and socie tal costs. Future research should focus on identifying patterns of illness and the costs associated with management of these infections. New treatment s should be assessed not only in terms of their ability to produce the desi red clinical outcome, but also in terms of their ability to reduce the burd en of disease, decrease health care costs, and improve productivity.