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[Virologic and serologic observations in an outbreak of infantile bronchopneumonitis]
Abstract:
From December 1985 to February 1986 in Si Hong County, Jiang Su Province an outbreak of bronchopneumonitis occurred. In December the number of admitted infant cases with bronchopneumonitis was 32% of total hospitalized cases. The youngest infant was 28 days in age and the oldest was one and half years. 71.5% percent occurred in children less than six months in age. From nasopharyngeal washing of acute cases were isolated 6 strains of viruses. The result of identification of them revealed that they were respiratory syncytial virus. 3 pairs of serum sample were collected from acute and convalescent periods for neutralizing antibody titrations. The result showed that specific neutralizing antibody titers increased 8-64 fold in comparison between the acute and the convalescent.
Insights
An outbreak of bronchopneumonitis in infants was caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Antibody levels significantly increased in affected infants, confirming RSV as the causative agent.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- An outbreak of bronchopneumonitis occurred in Si Hong County, Jiang Su Province, from December 1985 to February 1986.
- Infant cases constituted 32% of total hospital admissions in December.
- The majority of affected infants (71.5%) were under six months old.
Purpose:
- To identify the causative agent of the bronchopneumonitis outbreak in infants.
- To investigate the role of specific viruses in pediatric respiratory illness during the outbreak.
- To assess the immune response to the identified pathogen.
Summary:
- Six strains of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were isolated from nasopharyngeal washings of infants with acute bronchopneumonitis.
- Neutralizing antibody titers against RSV showed a significant 8-64 fold increase between acute and convalescent serum samples.
- These findings confirm RSV as the etiological agent responsible for the observed outbreak.
Impact:
- Provides etiological confirmation of RSV as a cause of infant bronchopneumonitis outbreaks.
- Highlights the vulnerability of infants, particularly those under six months, to severe respiratory infections.
- Informs public health strategies for respiratory virus surveillance and control in pediatric populations.