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Acute respiratory infections in ambulatory malnourished children: a serological study
C D Christie1, G T Heikens, F L Black
1Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut.
Insights
This study identified common viruses like parainfluenza and influenza as key causes of acute respiratory infections in malnourished Jamaican children. Malnutrition severity correlated with a higher prevalence of these viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health Nutrition
Background:
- Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a significant health concern in young children, particularly in resource-limited settings.
- Malnutrition is a known risk factor that can exacerbate the severity and frequency of infectious diseases.
- Understanding the specific etiological agents of ARIs in malnourished populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative microorganisms of acute respiratory infections in malnourished Jamaican children.
- To investigate the relationship between the prevalence of specific pathogens and the severity of malnutrition.
Main Methods:
- Serological diagnostic methods were employed to detect infections in 83 ambulatory Jamaican-born children aged 6 to 32 months.
- Children were assessed for symptomatic ARIs and categorized based on malnutrition status.
- Microorganisms identified included parainfluenza viruses, influenza viruses, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Main Results:
- Microorganisms were detected in 60% of symptomatic children and 25% of asymptomatic children.
- Parainfluenza viruses (15 children), influenza viruses (12), adenovirus (10), respiratory syncytial virus (7), and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (7) were the most prevalent agents.
- A positive correlation was observed between the severity of malnutrition and the prevalence of viral infections.
Conclusions:
- Viral pathogens are significant etiological agents of ARIs in malnourished Jamaican children.
- The findings highlight the critical interplay between malnutrition and susceptibility to viral respiratory infections.
- Public health strategies should consider nutritional status when addressing ARIs in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
We studied the aetiological agents of acute respiratory infections occurring in an ambulatory population of 83 malnourished Jamaican-born children aged 6 to 32 months using serological methods for diagnosis. In 60% (38/63) of symptomatic children and in 25% (5/20) of those without reported disease the following microorganisms were observed: parainfluenza viruses in 15 children, influenza viruses in 12, adenovirus in 10, respiratory syncitial virus in 7 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in 7 children. The prevalence of the viral infections apparently increased with the severity of malnutrition.