Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025
Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Respiratory infections and coinfections: geographical and population patterns
Norvell Perezbusta-Lara1, Rocío Tirado-Mendoza1, Javier R Ambrosio-Hernández1
1Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Ciudad de México, México.
Introduction:
Acute respiratory infections are the second cause of mortality in children younger than five years, with 150.7 million episodes per year. Human orthopneumovirus (hOPV) and metapneumovirus (hMPV) are the first and second causes of bronchiolitis; type 2 human orthorubulavirus (hORUV) has been associated with pneumonia in immunocompromised patients.
Objective:
To define hOPV, hMPV and hORUV geographical distribution and circulation patterns.
Method:
An observational, prospective cross-sectional pilot study was carried out. Two-hundred viral strains obtained from pediatric patients were genotyped by endpoint reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results:
One-hundred and eighty-six positive samples were typed: 84 hOPV, 43 hMPV, two hORUV and 57 co-infection specimens. Geographical distribution was plotted. hMPV, hOPV, and hORUV cumulative incidences were 0.215, 0.42, and 0.01, respectively. Cumulative incidence of hMPV-hORUV and hMPV-hOPV coinfection was 0.015 and 0.23; for hOPV-hMPV-hORUV, 0.035; and for hORUV-hOPV, 0.005. The largest number of positive cases of circulating or co-circulating viruses occurred between January and March.
Conclusions:
This study successfully identified circulation and geographical distribution patterns of the different viruses, as well as of viral co-infections.
Insights
This study tracked human orthopneumovirus (hOPV), metapneumovirus (hMPV), and orthorubulavirus (hORUV) in children. Researchers identified their geographical spread and circulation, finding most cases occurred between January and March.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute respiratory infections are a leading cause of mortality in young children globally.
- Human orthopneumovirus (hOPV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are primary causes of bronchiolitis.
- Type 2 human orthorubulavirus (hORUV) is linked to pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the geographical distribution of hOPV, hMPV, and hORUV.
- To define the circulation patterns of these respiratory viruses.
- To analyze co-infection patterns among hOPV, hMPV, and hORUV.
Main Methods:
- An observational, prospective, cross-sectional pilot study was conducted.
- Two hundred viral strains from pediatric patients were collected.
- Genotyping was performed using endpoint reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Main Results:
- 186 positive samples were typed: 84 hOPV, 43 hMPV, 2 hORUV, and 57 co-infections.
- Cumulative incidences were hOPV (0.42), hMPV (0.215), and hORUV (0.01).
- Peak circulation of viruses and co-infections occurred from January to March.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully mapped the geographical distribution of hOPV, hMPV, and hORUV.
- Circulation patterns and co-infection dynamics were elucidated.
- Findings provide insights into the epidemiology of these key pediatric respiratory viruses.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Common Respiratory Disorders
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
01:17Other Pulmonary Disorders
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:28Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and...
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment