Surveillance of acute respiratory infections in Mumbai during 2011-12
R D Chavan1, S T Kothari, K Zunjarrao
1Departments of Virology and Immunology , Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing, Parel, Mumbai, India.
Purpose:
Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals aged less than 5 years. ARI often leads to hospitalisation, and it has been indicated that causative viral and bacterial infections go undetermined and results in the occurrence of resistant strains. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of various viral and bacterial infections in patients with ARIs.
Materials And Methods:
Two hundred samples were collected from July 2011 to July 2012 with patients suffering from ARI. Viral and bacterial infections were determined by real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.
Results:
Influenza-like illness (ILI) consisted of 109 patients and ARI consisted of 91 patients. Pandemic influenza A H1N1 was the major viral infection with 21 (19.2%) patients in ILI as compared with 16 (17.4%) patients in ARI. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was found to be 1 (0.9%) in ILI and ARI. Viral co-infections were 16 (14.4%) in ILI and 4 (4.37%) in ARI where pandemic influenza A H1N1 and influenza type B were major contributors. In bacterial infections, Streptococcus pneumoniae with 11 (10.9%) cases were predominant in both the groups. Bacterial co-infection accounted for only 1 (1.09%) case in both the groups but the most significant finding was the viral-bacterial co-infection in which Haemophilus influenzae was the major co-infecting bacteria with the influenza viruses with 4 (4.36%) cases as compared with Streptotoccus pneumoniae.
Conclusion:
This data indicate the need to undertake continued surveillance that will help to better define the circulation of respiratory viruses along with the bacterial infections.
Insights
This study assessed viral and bacterial infections in young children with acute respiratory infections (ARIs). Pandemic influenza A H1N1 was common, and viral-bacterial co-infections, particularly with Haemophilus influenzae, were significant findings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a major cause of illness and death in children under five.
- Undetermined viral and bacterial pathogens in ARIs contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
- Hospitalization for ARIs is common in young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of various viral and bacterial infections in pediatric patients presenting with ARIs.
- To identify common causative agents and co-infections in ARI cases.
- To inform public health strategies for managing respiratory infections in children.
Main Methods:
- Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for pathogen detection.
- Samples were collected from 200 pediatric patients with ARIs between July 2011 and July 2012.
- Patients were categorized into influenza-like illness (ILI) and general ARI groups.
Main Results:
- Pandemic influenza A H1N1 was the most frequent viral infection identified.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae was the predominant bacterial pathogen.
- Significant viral-bacterial co-infections were observed, with Haemophilus influenzae frequently co-infecting with influenza viruses.
Conclusions:
- Continued surveillance is essential for understanding the dynamics of respiratory viruses and bacteria.
- Identifying co-infections is crucial for effective treatment and preventing resistance.
- Data supports the need for targeted interventions against common respiratory pathogens in children.
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