Human rhinovirus infection during naturally occurring COPD exacerbations

This study used real-time quantitative PCR to examine changes in the prevalence and load of human rhinovirus (388 sputum samples ) and Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis in (89 samples) in 77 patients with COPD during naturally occurring exacerbations and recovery. Lung function (FEV1, FVC) was measured yearly using a Vitalograph wedge bellows spirometer.