Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses
11:48

Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses

Published on: April 4, 2019

Respiratory viruses from hospitalized children with severe pneumonia in the Philippines

Akira Suzuki1, Socorro Lupisan, Yuki Furuse

  • 1Department of Virology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan. suzukia@med.tohoku.ac.jp

BMC Infectious Diseases
|October 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Viruses are frequently found in severe childhood pneumonia cases in the Philippines. Identifying these viral causes is crucial for developing effective strategies to decrease child pneumonia deaths in developing nations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Virology
  • Public health in developing countries

Background:

  • Pneumonia is a major cause of mortality in children globally, particularly in developing regions.
  • The specific viral agents responsible for severe pediatric pneumonia are not well-understood, hindering targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and types of viral pathogens associated with severe pneumonia in children admitted to a tertiary hospital in the Philippines.
  • To identify potential risk factors, including viral co-infections and specific viral types, associated with severe outcomes and mortality in pediatric pneumonia cases.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study enrolled 819 children (8 days to 13 years) with severe pneumonia from May 2008 to May 2009.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect respiratory viruses in nasopharyngeal swabs.
  • Blood cultures were performed to identify bacterial co-infections.

Main Results:

  • A virus was detected in 61.2% of the 819 patients; 423 cases had a single virus.
  • Human rhinoviruses (189 cases) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (165 cases) were the most common viruses.
  • Influenza A virus positivity was significantly associated with a fatal outcome (OR=4.3). Bacterial pathogens were identified in 31 cases.

Conclusions:

  • Viral etiologies are common in children with severe pneumonia in the Philippines.
  • These findings underscore the importance of considering viral causes in pneumonia management and prevention strategies.
  • Effective strategies to reduce childhood pneumonia deaths in developing countries must address viral pathogens.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

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

Published on: February 23, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
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:
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
Influenza01:27

Influenza

Influenza is an acute, highly communicable viral disease that affects the respiratory tract and is responsible for seasonal epidemics worldwide. Influenza A is the most prevalent type associated with widespread outbreaks and is subtyped based on two surface glycoproteins: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), as in H1N1. These glycoproteins are essential for viral infectivity, transmission, and immune recognition. Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets and contaminated...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following: