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Respiratory syncytial virus subgroup A in hospitalized children in Zarqa, Jordan
1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. bsalwa@sci.ju.edu.jo
Insights
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) subgroup A caused 25.46% of infections in young children hospitalized with respiratory illness in Jordan. Health workers should consider RSV diagnosis from January to May.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children.
- Understanding the epidemiology of RSV is crucial for public health interventions and clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of RSV infections in hospitalized children under two years old in Zarqa, Jordan.
- To identify the prevalent RSV subgroup and its seasonal pattern.
Main Methods:
- A total of 271 children with bronchiolitis or bronchopneumonia were enrolled.
- Nasopharyngeal washings were analyzed for RSV antigen using direct immunofluorescence and confirmed by RT-PCR.
- RSV isolates were typed using monoclonal antibodies.
Main Results:
- RSV was detected in 69 (25.46%) of the 271 specimens, accounting for 50.36% of identified respiratory viruses.
- All identified RSV strains belonged to subgroup A.
- RSV infections peaked during the spring months, with epidemics occurring from January to May.
Conclusions:
- RSV subgroup A is a significant cause of winter respiratory tract disease outbreaks in hospitalized children in Jordan.
- Healthcare providers should consider RSV as a potential diagnosis in young children presenting with respiratory illness between January and May.
Abstract:
The epidemiology of RSV infection was investigated in 271 children aged less than 2 years admitted to the Zarqa Government Hospital, Jordan with bronchiolitis or bronchopneumonia. Nasopharyngeal washings were cultured and RSV antigen was detected by the direct immunofluorescence technique. Of the 271 specimens, 69 (25.46%) were positive for RSV, representing 50.36% of the respiratory viruses. All RSV isolates were typed as subgroup A by monoclonal antibody and confirmed by RT-PCR. RSV was prevalent in the hospitalised children in the coldest months of the year. The epidemics began in January or February, peaked in spring and then disappeared in summer. This study supports the idea that RSV subgroup A is a major contributor to winter outbreaks of respiratory tract disease in children, and health care workers in Jordan should consider the diagnosis during January-May each year.