ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Rhinovirus is probably the most common causative agent of infections worldwide. Although the atomic structure of rhinovirus has been solved, our knowledge on the human rhinovirus is still limited. The symptoms of rhinovirus infection are induced by complex inflammatory reactions in the respiratory epithelium and not so much by direct viral effects. The clinical relevance of rhinovirus infections has been now better documented due to development of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) methods which are much more sensitive than conventional virus culture in detecting rhinoviruses. Rhinovirus is a causative agent of half of the cases with common cold. It is the most common virus predisposing children to acute otitis media. It is well established that rhinovirus can also induce lower respiratory infections. One third of exacerbations of asthma and wheezing in children and in adults is associated with rhinovirus infection. Rhinovirus may be a more common causative agent of pneumonia than has been recognized. It can also induce severe illness in immunocompromised host. Rhinovirus has been detected by PCR in 10-30% of asymptomatic subjects. This may be due to previous infection, ongoing asymtomatic infection or an emerging illness. There are currently no specific antiviral drugs or prophylactic measures against rhinovirus infections in clinical use. However, transmission of rhinovirus can be reduced by careful hand desinfection and environmental manipulation.
