Abstract
Background: Acute viral respiratory infections are considered as the leading causes of illness and hospitalization worldwide. Influenza virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Adenovirus are general respiratory pathogens linked with significant clinical problems in Iraq. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of common respiratory viral infections and their clinical and hematological associations between Iraqi patients with acute-illness.
Methods: This a cross-sectional study was done on 160 patients showing acute febrile and/or respiratory-symptoms. Viral detection for Influenza virus, RSV and Adenovirus was performed using rapid-antigen and ELISA assays. Hematological tests including total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count, hemoglobin and platelet count were analyzed using ANOVA, Chi-square test and Pearson correlation.
Results: Influenza virus was detected in 38.1% (61/160) of patients, followed by Adenovirus in 22.5% (36/160) and RSV in 18.1% (29/160). Influenza-positive patients showed significantly elevated TLC levels (11.4 ± 2.2 ×10⁹/L) compared with RSV (10.2 ± 1.9 ×10⁹/L), Adenovirus (8.7 ± 1.6 ×10⁹/L), and controls (7.6 ± 1.4 ×10⁹/L) (p < 0.01). Dyspnea and wheezing were more frequent in RSV infection (62.1% and 55.1%, respectively). Severe disease was observed mainly in Influenza-cases (24.6%). Co-infections were identified in 5.6% of patients and were linked with higher hospitalization rates.
Conclusion: Influenza virus, RSV and Adenovirus are the major causes of acute respiratory illness in Iraq. Distinct clinical manifestations and hematological alterations may support early diagnosis and disease assessment especially in resource-limited area.
Article History
Received: May 24, 2026; Accepted: May 27, 2026; Published: June 30, 2026
Recommended Citation
Naser, I. H.
(2026).
Clinical and Hematological Correlates of Common Viral Respiratory Infections in Patients with Acute Illness in Iraq,
Journal of Bioresource Management, 13
(2).
