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Characteristics and forecasting of respiratory viral epidemics among children in west China
Yifei Duan1,2, Jinlan He3, Yali Cui1,2
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital.
Insights
Influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus were the most common causes of acute respiratory tract infections in young children in west China. Surveillance data can guide prevention strategies for future viral outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARTI) is a common illness in young children.
- Understanding the characteristics of respiratory viruses is crucial for effective public health strategies.
- West China has specific demographic and environmental factors influencing viral epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and trends of respiratory viruses causing ARTI in children in west China.
- To identify the predominant viruses and their seasonality.
- To provide data for guiding prevention and management of pediatric ARTI.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 11,813 pediatric ARTI patient samples from March 2018 to March 2020.
- Analysis of demographic data (age, sex) and viral detection results.
- Examination of seasonal patterns and virus prevalence by age group.
Main Results:
- Influenza A (Flu A) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) were the predominant viruses, accounting for over 70% of infections.
- Flu A was most common in children aged 5-10 years, while RSV predominated in those under 5 years.
- Viral infection rates, particularly for Flu A and RSV, showed increased seasonality starting in October. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in ARTI cases.
Conclusions:
- Flu A and RSV are key pathogens in pediatric ARTI in west China.
- Age-specific prevalence and distinct seasonality of these viruses are important considerations.
- This surveillance data is vital for informing timely and targeted interventions against respiratory viral infections in children.
Abstract:
We aimed to assess the respiratory virus characteristics and forecasts among young children with acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) in west China.This retrospective study investigated the epidemic characteristics of respiratory viruses among 11,813 paediatric ARTI patient samples (mean age, 2.25 years) between March 2018 and March 2020.The ratio of boys to girls was 1.36. The 2 predominant viruses were influenza (Flu) A and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in both years, with Flu A accounting for 47.3% and 47.5% in the first and second years and RSV accounting for 32.7% and 24.7% of the positive samples in the first and second years, respectively. The Flu B positive rates were 10.9% and 13.1%, and those of the other 4 viruses were <7%. The most common virus was RSV in children below 5 years and Flu A in those between 5 and 10 years. Flu A and RSV demonstrated pronounced seasonality, and their infection rates increased from October. During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, isolation measures led to a decline in the number of ARTI cases.This study provides surveillance data of the respiratory viruses in west China. It could guide medical staff in implementing necessary prevention and management strategies before future viral outbreaks.
