Human respiratory syncytial virus in children hospitalized for acute lower respiratory infection
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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
João B Salomão Junior1, Luiz G A Gardinassi, Paulo V M Simas
1Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Insights
Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is common in hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI), especially infants and those with bronchiolitis. Laboratory diagnosis is recommended due to varied circulation patterns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is a significant cause of childhood hospitalization.
- Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a primary pathogen responsible for ALRI in young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and seasonality of HRSV in hospitalized children (0-6 years) with ALRI.
- To investigate the association between age, diagnosis, and HRSV infection.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of clinical and radiological criteria for HRSV.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 290 ALRI episodes in children aged 0-6 years.
- Nasopharyngeal secretion samples were collected for RT-PCR analysis to detect HRSV.
- Data on patient age, diagnosis, and treatment were recorded.
Main Results:
- HRSV prevalence was 29.3% among hospitalized ALRI cases.
- HRSV was more frequent in infants (35%) and cases of bronchiolitis (64%).
- Infection occurred predominantly between fall and spring, with higher incidence in 2004 than 2005. Clinical and radiological findings were insufficient for diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- HRSV is highly prevalent in young children hospitalized with ALRI, particularly those under one year and with bronchiolitis.
- The study highlights seasonal variations in HRSV circulation between 2004 and 2005.
- Routine laboratory diagnosis of HRSV is suggested for effective clinical management.
Objective:
To evaluate the prevalence and seasonality of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in children aged 0 to 6 years, hospitalized with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil, and the association between age, diagnosis, and HRSV.
Methods:
Between May 2004 and September 2005, we studied 290 consecutive episodes of community-acquired ALRI in children aged 0 to 6 years admitted to the Hospital de Base of São José do Rio Preto. In order to detect HRSV, nasopharyngeal secretion samples were collected and RT-PCR molecular analysis was performed.
Results:
The HRSV prevalence was 29.3% for the cases of hospitalized patients with ALRI. ALRI was common in infants (median age = 13.5 months). HRSV was more frequent in cases of bronchiolitis (64%) and during the first year of life (35%). Episodes of HRSV infection occurred between fall and spring, showing higher frequency in 2004 than in 2005. Clinical and radiological criteria were not sufficient to establish the diagnosis of infection with HRSV. Antibiotic therapy was used in 78.8% of episodes of HRSV.
Conclusions:
There was a high prevalence of HRSV in children aged 0 to 6 years who were hospitalized for ALRI, predominantly in younger patients or those with bronchiolitis. The circulation of the virus varied in the two years studied. Our results suggest the need for laboratory diagnosis of HRSV in the clinical practice.
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