Streamlining protocols for the establishment of a physical biobank of respiratory viruses in the Philippines

Biobanks are essential for advancing biomedical research, yet sustainable and systematic biobanking remains a challenge in low- and middle-income countries with high infectious disease burdens like the Philippines. Acute respiratory infections have been a major public health concern in the country since 2003, substantiating the need for a dedicated biobank to enhance surveillance, research, and response efforts. This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to identify common respiratory viruses in Metro Manila, streamline biobanking protocols, and establish a physical biobank of respiratory swab specimens and culture isolates of respiratory viruses. Nasopharyngeal (NPS) and oropharyngeal swabs (OPS) from 114 pediatric patients with influenza-like illness from three tertiary hospitals in Metro Manila were screened for respiratory pathogens using the BioFire Respiratory Panel Test (BioFire) and confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Samples were inoculated in appropriate cell lines for virus propagation and isolation. NPS and OPS samples, infected culture fluids (ICFs), extracted nucleic acids, and respiratory virus isolates were banked in −80 °C ultra-low freezer at the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute following international biobanking standards. A Laboratory Information Management System utilizing R and offline Microsoft Excel was developed for sample tracking and data security. Sample analysis through BioFire revealed that the most frequently detected viruses were rhinovirus (29%), influenza A (18%), human metapneumovirus (13%), and respiratory syncytial virus (12%), with co-infections in 19% of cases. Discrepancies were observed in 25% of qPCR-positive samples compared with BioFire results. Biobanking protocols, including pre- and post-sample collection procedures were streamlined to serve not only as a guide for future biobanking initiatives in similar settings, but also to implement a sustainable and efficient system of inventory, storage, and retrieval of biological resources. This study successfully established a functional respiratory virus biobank that can provide a foundation for the future conduct of human health research and development on diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines, thereby enhancing public health preparedness for respiratory infections in the Philippines.