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Published on: December 10, 2013
Patterns of viral pathogens causing upper respiratory tract infections among symptomatic children in Mwanza, Tanzania
Elizabeth Kwiyolecha1, Britta Groendahl2, Bernard Okamo3
1Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 1464, Mwanza, Tanzania.
Insights
Viruses are the primary cause of childhood upper-respiratory tract infections (URTI) in Tanzania, with rhinitis being the most frequent diagnosis. Rapid diagnostics are crucial to combat antibiotic resistance in low-income settings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Upper-respiratory tract infections (URTI) represent a significant burden of childhood illness globally.
- Understanding the specific etiologies of URTI in different geographical regions is vital for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes and clinical patterns of URTI in children in Mwanza, Tanzania.
- To identify common viral and bacterial pathogens responsible for URTI in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study enrolled 339 children with URTI symptoms.
- Nasopharyngeal and ear swabs were analyzed using multiplex-PCR and culture for pathogen detection.
- Complete blood count and C-reactive protein levels were assessed.
Main Results:
- Rhinoviruses were the most common viral cause (23.9%), with viruses identified in 46% of children.
- Rhinitis (55.9%) and pharyngitis (19.5%) were the most frequent diagnoses.
- Bacterial pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from ear swabs.
Conclusions:
- Viral infections, particularly rhinoviruses, are the leading cause of URTI in Tanzanian children.
- The findings highlight the need for rapid diagnostic tools to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and mitigate antibiotic resistance.
- Effective management strategies tailored to local pathogen prevalence are essential.
Abstract:
Upper-respiratory tract infections (URTI) are the leading causes of childhood morbidities. This study investigated etiologies and patterns of URTI among children in Mwanza, Tanzania. A cross-sectional study involving 339 children was conducted between October-2017 and February-2018. Children with features suggestive of URTI such as nasal congestion, dry cough, painful swallowing and nasal discharge with/without fever were enrolled. Pathogens were detected from nasopharyngeal and ear-swabs by multiplex-PCR and culture respectively. Full blood count and C-reactive protein analysis were also done. The median age was 16 (IQR: 8-34) months. Majority (82.3%) had fever and nasal-congestion (65.5%). Rhinitis (55.9%) was the commonest diagnosis followed by pharyngitis (19.5%). Viruses were isolated in 46% of children, the commonest being Rhinoviruses (23.9%). Nineteen percent of children had more than 2 viruses; Rhinovirus and Enterovirus being the commonest combination. The commonest bacteria isolated from ears were Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Children with viral pathogens had significantly right shift of lymphocytes (73%-sensitivity). Majority (257/339) of children were symptoms free on eighth day. Viruses are the commonest cause of URTI with Rhinitis being the common diagnosis. Rapid diagnostic assays for URTI pathogens are urgently needed in low-income countries to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions which is associated with antibiotic resistance.
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