Objective: In this study, we present retrospectively collected data in our university hospital that covers an-8-year period from January 2010 to June 2018 to determine the epidemiological and etiological profile for common respiratory viruses in adults with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs).

Method: Nasopharyngeal swab samples from 788 ARTI patients were analysed by multiplex PCR method (2010-2016, Seeplex® RV15 ACE Detection Kit, SeeGene Korea, 2016-2018 FTD Respiratory pathogens 21 Kit, Fast Track Diagnostics Ltd Malta) for common respiratory viruses, including influenza viruses A, B, para-influenza virus (PIV) 1-4, human rhinovirus (hRV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A/B, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), human coronavirus (hCoV; OC43, 229E, NL63, and HKU), adenovirus (ADVs), enterovirus (EV), parechovirus and human bocavirus (hBOV).

Results: Viral pathogens were detected in 51.78% of patient samples and 7.23% of patients were positive for multiple viruses. Influenza viruses were the dominant pathogenic agents detected (16.88% in total, RSV A, 11.42% and RSV B, 5.46%), followed by hRVs (14.85%), hCoVs (8.63%), RSV A/B (7,11%), hMPV (4.06%), ADVs (3.93%), PIV (3.55%). EVs and hBOV were also detected in this group at less than 1%. It was observed that influenza A virus was detected more frequently in winter, influenza B in the spring, hRV in spring and autumn months, coronaviruses in summer, RSV A/B f in winter, PIVs in summer, and autumn, and hMPVs and ADVs in winter.

Conclusion: Multiple molecular tests provide a better understanding of the role of viral agents in respiratory infections among adults. We think that the diagnosis of the causative agent and the detection of the viral agent in these infections will be beneficial in preventing unnecessary use of antibiotics with proper treatment and will ensure making quick and accurate management decisions for infection control measures.