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Coronavirus Surveillance in a Pediatric Population in Jordan From 2010 to 2013: A Prospective Viral Surveillance
Zaid Haddadin1, James Chappell1, Rendie McHenry1
1Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
Insights
Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) cause acute respiratory illness (ARI) in children. This study found HCoVs in 6.7% of hospitalized Jordanian children, highlighting their role in pediatric ARI.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Virology
- Public health
Background:
- Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are a known cause of acute respiratory illness (ARI) in children.
- The prevalence and impact of HCoVs in hospitalized children in the Middle East remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of HCoVs in acute respiratory illness among hospitalized children in Amman, Jordan.
- To determine the prevalence and common types of HCoVs detected.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of children under 2 years with respiratory symptoms from 2010-2013.
- Collection and qRT-PCR testing of nasal/throat swabs for HCoVs (HKU1, OC43, 229E, NL63).
- Demographic and clinical data collection via interviews and chart reviews.
Main Results:
- Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) were detected in 6.7% of 3168 children.
- The most common HCoV types were OC43 (56%), NL63 (22%), HKU1 (13%), and 229E (6%).
- Viral co-detection occurred in 76% of HCoV-positive cases, with no significant difference in disease severity except for higher ICU admissions with NL63.
Conclusions:
- HCoVs are present in a notable proportion of hospitalized children with ARI in Jordan.
- Further research is needed to understand the precise burden and pathogenic role of HCoVs in pediatric ARI, especially given frequent viral co-infections.
Background:
Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are a significant cause of acute respiratory illness (ARI) in children; however, the role of HCoVs in ARI among hospitalized children in the Middle East is not well defined.
Methods:
Children under 2 years admitted with fever and/or respiratory symptoms were enrolled from 2010 to 2013 in Amman, Jordan. Nasal/throat swabs were collected and stored for testing. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected through parent/guardian interviews and medical chart abstractions. Prior stored specimens were tested for HCoVs (HKU1, OC43, 229E and NL63) by qRT-PCR.
Results:
Of the 3168 children enrolled, 6.7% were HCoVs-positive. Among HCoV-positive children, the median age was 3.8 (1.9-8.4) months, 59% were male, 14% were premature, 11% had underlying medical conditions and 76% had viral-codetection. The most common presenting symptoms were cough, fever, wheezing and shortness of breath. HCoVs were detected year-round, peaking in winter-spring months. Overall, 56%, 22%, 13% and 6% were OC43, NL63, HKU1 and 229E, respectively. There was no difference in disease severity between the species, except higher intensive care unit admission frequency in NL63-positive subjects.
Conclusions:
HCoVs were detected in around 7% of children enrolled in our study. Despite HCoV detection in children with ARI with highest peaks in respiratory seasons, the actual burden and pathogenic role of HCoVs in ARI merits further evaluation given the high frequency of viral codetection.
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