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Respiratory virus infections among children in South China

Xiao-Ying Cai1, Qiong Wang, Guang-Yu Lin

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China.

Journal of Medical Virology
|March 13, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Viral acute respiratory tract infections are common in Southern China children, with respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A being prevalent. Over half of suspected cases showed viral detection, with some requiring intensive care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) presents a significant global health challenge, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding the specific viral etiologies and epidemiological patterns of ARTI in diverse geographic regions is crucial for effective public health strategies and clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of viral-induced acute respiratory tract infections in children residing in Southern China.
  • To identify common respiratory viruses and assess the occurrence of co-infections in pediatric patients presenting with suspected ARTI.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 1,980 pediatric patients with suspected ARTI and 82 healthy controls.
  • Nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were collected and analyzed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) for viral detection.
  • Data were collected from October 2007 to August 2011 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of viral detection, with at least one virus identified in 54.9% (1,087/1,980) of pediatric patients.
  • The most frequently detected viruses included respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A virus (FluA), and human rhinovirus (HRV).
  • Co-infections with multiple viruses were observed in 16.4% of cases, and 9.8% of patients with positive viral detection required pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission.

Conclusions:

  • Viral pathogens are a major cause of acute respiratory tract infections in children in Southern China, necessitating accurate diagnostic approaches.
  • The findings highlight the importance of considering specific viruses like RSV and influenza, as well as co-infections, in the clinical management of pediatric ARTI.
  • This study provides valuable data to inform therapeutic strategies and public health interventions aimed at reducing the burden of pediatric respiratory infections.

Keywords:
South Chinachildrenrespiratory virus

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