Prospective study of influenza C in hospitalized children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric infectious diseases
• Virology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Influenza C virus (ICV) is an understudied cause of respiratory illness in children.
• Limited data exist on the clinical significance and prevalence of ICV in hospitalized pediatric populations.
• Understanding ICV's role is crucial, especially during periods of other influenza activity, like the H1N1 pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of influenza C virus infections in hospitalized children.
• To compare the clinical presentation of ICV infections with other influenza types.
• To evaluate the impact of coinfections on the clinical role of ICV.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study conducted over 6 years in hospitalized children in Spain.
• Inclusion of data from the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) pdm period.
• Laboratory confirmation of influenza virus types, including ICV, in respiratory samples.

Main Results:

• Influenza C virus accounted for 13.3% of all influenza-positive cases identified.
• Patients with uncomplicated ICV infections exhibited clinical symptoms similar to those caused by other influenza types.
• A high rate of coinfection (81%) was observed in patients with ICV, hindering the assessment of its independent clinical impact.

Conclusions:

• Influenza C virus is a relevant pathogen in hospitalized children, contributing significantly to the overall influenza burden.
• The clinical presentation of ICV is not distinct from other influenza viruses in this population.
• High rates of viral coinfection necessitate further research to elucidate the specific clinical role and pathogenicity of influenza C virus.