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Published on: December 10, 2013
Viral and Bacterial Etiology of Common Respiratory Infections in Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Jordy Exaucé Demboux Lyelet1,2, Pembe Issamou Mayengue1,2,3, Félix Koukouikila-Koussounda1,2
1Faculty of Sciences and Technics, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville BP 69, Congo.
Insights
Acute respiratory infections in sub-Saharan Africa are mainly caused by viruses like respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus, along with bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Respiratory infections pose significant global health challenges, particularly impacting children under five in developing nations.
- Accurate etiological data is essential for effective prevention and management of respiratory infections.
- Sub-Saharan Africa faces a high burden of respiratory infections, necessitating localized epidemiological understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize the etiological data of respiratory infections in sub-Saharan Africa.
- To identify the primary viral and bacterial agents responsible for these infections in the region.
- To inform public health strategies for respiratory infection control in sub-Saharan Africa.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, HINARI, and Google Scholar.
- Studies published between 2010 and 2023, focusing on sub-Saharan Africa, were included.
- Data from 50 selected articles, representing 24 countries, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus were the most frequently identified viral pathogens.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were the predominant bacterial agents identified.
- The majority of included studies were cross-sectional and hospital-based.
Conclusions:
- Viral agents, notably respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus, are the leading causes of acute respiratory infections in children in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Key bacterial pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae also contribute significantly to the burden of these infections.
- This review highlights the critical need for targeted interventions addressing both viral and bacterial etiologies to combat respiratory infections in the region.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Respiratory infections are a major global public health problem, with potentially serious consequences. Indeed, they remain one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 in developing countries. Etiological information on respiratory infections is crucial for prevention and case management strategies. This review describes the etiology of respiratory infections reported in studies conducted in sub-Saharan African countries. Methods: PubMed, HINARI and Google Scholar search engines were used for bibliographic research, and only data from sub-Saharan Africa were considered. Articles published between 2010 and 2023, in English or French, were included in this review. Results: After a thorough search, 2175 documents were identified. Critical review and removal of duplicates identified 347 full-text studies, which underwent rigorous evaluation. A total of 50 articles were retained, with studies conducted in 24 sub-Saharan African countries, most of them in Cameroon (12%). Thirty-three (66%) were cross-sectional studies, and thirty-seven (74%) were hospital-based surveys. Respiratory syncytial virus was most frequently identified (0.6% to 59%), followed by rhinovirus (7.5% to 73%). The most frequent bacteria were Streptococcus pneumoniae (1-96%) and Haemophilus influenzae (2.5-54%). Conclusions: This study suggests that acute respiratory infections in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly in children, are primarily caused by viruses and a few bacteria.
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