Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Lower respiratory tract disease in children: constant pathogens - constant management?!

S Wasem1, S Weichert, S Walther

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, St. Josefs Hospital, Freiburg, Germany.

Klinische Padiatrie
|December 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

The spectrum of common respiratory pathogens in children remained stable over six years. New guidelines for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections did not significantly alter clinical management, except for reduced X-ray use.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRI) are common in children.
  • Understanding pathogen prevalence and management is crucial for pediatric healthcare.
  • This study examines LRI pathogens and guideline adoption in a German hospital over six years.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the spectrum of pathogens causing LRI in children.
  • To evaluate the impact of new diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines on LRI management, particularly for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
  • To assess changes in clinical practices following guideline implementation.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective surveillance of 1054 children (0-36 months) hospitalized with LRI.
  • Analysis of nasopharyngeal aspirates for RSV, Parainfluenza Virus (PIV), and Influenza Virus (IV).
  • Comparison of clinical management data before and after the 2003/2004 national guideline change for RSV disease.

Main Results:

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) was detected in 34% of cases, followed by PIV (7.7%) and IV (4.7%).
  • The spectrum of causative agents remained stable over the six-year study period.
  • Clinical management, including drug use, showed no significant change, although X-ray examinations decreased (p<0.01).

Conclusions:

  • The etiological spectrum of pediatric LRI is stable over time.
  • New national guidelines for RSV management were introduced but not strongly reinforced, leading to stable diagnostic and therapeutic concepts.
  • Clinical practice for LRI management in children remained largely unchanged despite guideline updates.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
Common Respiratory Disorders01:31

Common Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Cystic Fibrosis: Management01:24

Cystic Fibrosis: Management

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder that predominantly affects individuals of Northern European descent, occurring at a rate of 1 in 3500. It is caused by a genetic mutation in a gene on chromosome 7, most commonly the ΔF508 mutation, that codes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. This results in thicker mucus secretions and obstruction pathologies in multiple organs, including the lungs and sinuses.
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...