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[Respiratory viral infections in young children 1985-1988]
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza type 3 virus were the leading causes of respiratory infections in young children. These viruses showed seasonal patterns, with RSV being persistently present and parainfluenza peaking in September.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Viral respiratory tract infections are a significant cause of hospitalization in children.
- Understanding the specific viral etiologies and seasonal patterns is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the most common viral pathogens responsible for respiratory tract infections in hospitalized children aged 0-2 years.
- To analyze the seasonal distribution and co-infection patterns of these respiratory viruses.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence technique was used for viral detection.
- Study involved 848 children hospitalized with respiratory infections between May 1985 and June 1988.
- Data analysis focused on viral identification, incidence, and co-infection rates.
Main Results:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most frequent cause (21.1%), followed by parainfluenza type 3 virus (6.5%).
- Viral respiratory infections peaked annually from early autumn to late spring.
- RSV showed year-round presence with peaks from March-May and October-January; parainfluenza type 3 peaked in September.
- Twenty-five cases of co-infections were identified, most commonly RSV and parainfluenza type 3.
Conclusions:
- RSV and parainfluenza type 3 are major viral contributors to pediatric respiratory infections.
- Distinct seasonal patterns exist for these viruses, informing timing for preventative strategies.
- Co-infections with multiple viruses are observed, with RSV and parainfluenza type 3 being a common combination.
Abstract:
In the period from May 1985 to June 1988 the authors (using the immunofluorescence method) examined 848 children aged 0-2 years hospitalized due to infections of respiratory tracts in the II Clinic of Pediatrics of the Pediatrics Department of the II Medical Faculty in the Medical Academy in Warsaw. The most frequent causes of infections in respiratory tracts were virus RS (21.1% of patients) and virus of parainfluenza type 3 (6.5% of patients). An increase in viral respiratory infections took place every year between early autumn and late spring. Virus RS was permanently present in the population examined, though significant increases in the number of children infected by that virus appeared from March to May and from October to January in every year of the examination. An increased incidence of type 3 parainfluenza virus infections usually appeared in September. Among the children examined, the authors also found 25 cases of simultaneous infections by two different viruses. The most frequent combination of infecting viruses were virus RS and virus of parainfluenza type 3.