One hundred and twenty-nine (77 % ) samples were positive as detected by at least one method. Sixty-nine (41 % ) samples were positive by cell culture (excluding human metapneumovirus and coronaviruses), 116 (69 % ) by RT-PCR, 127 (76 % ) by MLPA and 100 (60 % ) by DPO. The MLPA yielded results in one attempt for all samples included while 12 (7.2 % ) samples had to be repeated by the DPO assay due to inconclusive results. The MLPA assay performed well in combination with either electrophoresis system, while the performance of the DPO assay was influenced by the electrophoresis systems.
Both molecular assays are comparable with real-time RT-PCR, more sensitive than viral culture and can detect dual infections easily. Results can be obtained within 1 day.