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Viral lower respiratory tract infections in Filipino children
P Ruutu1, P Halonen, O Meurman
1Second Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Insights
Viral infections are common in Filipino children with acute lower respiratory tract infections. Measles and influenza were frequent causes, with some viral infections linked to milder disease and better nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs) pose a significant health burden in young children.
- Identifying viral etiologies is crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis and guiding treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the viral causes of ALRI in Filipino children under 5 years old.
- To determine the prevalence of specific viral infections and their association with clinical presentation and nutritional status.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study conducted from June to October 1984.
- Involved 312 Filipino children under 5 years old from diverse housing backgrounds.
- Utilized viral antigen detection, virus isolation, and antibody assays for diagnosis.
Main Results:
- 198 viral infections were confirmed in 162 patients (51.9%), with single infections in 42.3% and mixed infections in 9.6%.
- Measles (21.4%) and influenza A (15.9%) were the most common viral causes.
- Influenza A/B infections correlated with milder ALRI, while measles with rash indicated severe disease.
Conclusions:
- Viral infections are a major contributor to ALRI in young Filipino children.
- Specific viruses like influenza and measles have distinct associations with disease severity.
- Further research into viral pathogenesis and prevention strategies is warranted.
Abstract:
Viral causes of acute lower respiratory tract infection were studied prospectively between 15 June and 31 October 1984 in 312 Filipino children less than 5 years old living in periurban slums and middle-class housing. The cause was based on viral antigen detection, virus isolation, and antibody assays. There were 131 children (41.2%) who were admitted to the hospital, and 150 (47%) had an infiltrate on chest radiograph. A total of 198 viral infections were confirmed in 162 patients (51.9%), 42.3% with single viral infection and 9.6% with mixed (two or more) infection. The infections were measles (21.4%), influenza A (15.9%), parainfluenza types 1, 2, and 3 (8.8%), respiratory syncytial virus (7.1%), influenza B (5.8%), enteroviruses (5.1%), adenoviruses (3.9%), herpes simplex virus (1.6%), and cytomegalovirus (1.3%). Viral infections other than measles were seen in 39.7% of the cases. The presence of viral infection correlated with better nutritional status. Influenza A or B diagnosis was associated with mild forms of acute respiratory tract infection, measles and a preceding rash with severe disease.