Annual prevalence of HRV and its genotypes in Asia, review

Abstract

Human rhinovirus is the major pathogen among all age groups causing common cold and can be associated with severe infections like asthma, pneumonia, wheezing which may lead to hospitalization. Phylogenetic analysis has led to the classification of human rhinovirus into three genotypes i-e HRV-A, HRV-B and HRV-C. These genotypes have different biological properties, clinical outcome and provide information for studying the epidemiology and pathogenesis. This review article characterizes the distribution of HRV and its genotypes for the first time in Asia. 94 published articles (2005-2015) related to HRV and its genotypes in Asia were searched. Children were more infected with HRV in Asia than in any other age group. HRV is the main agent causing acute respiratory infections in Asian countries, responsible for mild to severe respiratory infections in all age groups, particularly in children. Effective preventive measures are needed on urgent basis to control the disease burden.