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Published on: January 30, 2017
Distribution and Clinical Profile of Human Parainfluenza Viruses in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Febrile Illness
Santhosha Devadiga1, Nachiket M Godbole1, Prasad Varamballi1
1Manipal Institute of Virology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Insights
Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) cause significant respiratory infections in children. This study found HPIV-3 to be the most common type in hospitalized patients, with distinct seasonal and age patterns.
Area of Science:
- Medical Virology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are a major cause of pediatric respiratory infections, including lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and croup.
- The epidemiology of HPIVs, especially in low- and middle-income countries, requires further investigation.
- Understanding HPIV prevalence is crucial for managing acute febrile illness (AFI) in hospitalized children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and distribution of HPIV serotypes in hospitalized AFI patients.
- To analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics associated with HPIV infections.
- To provide insights into HPIV epidemiology in a specific region.
Main Methods:
- A total of 12,409 AFI cases were analyzed between 2016 and 2018.
- RNA was extracted from throat swabs and tested for HPIV serotypes 1-4 using multiplex real-time RT-PCR.
- Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of HPIV-positive patients were statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- HPIVs were detected in 1.75% of patients (217 cases).
- HPIV-3 was the most prevalent serotype (49.77%), followed by HPIV-4 (18.90%), HPIV-2 (17.52%), and HPIV-1 (13.83%).
- HPIV-3 showed seasonal peaks, primarily affecting children aged 1-9 years, with variations in clinical and laboratory markers observed across serotypes and age groups.
Conclusions:
- HPIVs are a significant contributor to respiratory illnesses across various demographics.
- HPIV-3 is the dominant serotype, exhibiting specific seasonal and age-related patterns.
- Enhanced surveillance and diagnostic capabilities for HPIVs are recommended to improve patient management and reduce inappropriate antibiotic use.
Introduction:
Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are significant causes of respiratory infections, particularly in children, yet their epidemiology remains poorly understood in low- and middle-income countries. HPIVs contribute to 20%-40% of pediatric lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and are a leading cause of croup and hospitalizations. This study was aimed at determining the incidence, distribution, and clinical and laboratory characteristics of HPIV in hospitalized acute febrile illness (AFI) patients.
Methods:
A total of 12,409 AFI cases from 2016 to 2018 were tested for HPIVs via molecular methods. RNA was extracted from throat swab samples and tested via multiplex real-time RT-PCR for HPIV Serotypes 1-4. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of HPIV-positive patients were analyzed statistically.
Results:
HPIVs were detected in 217 (1.75%) patients, with HPIV-3 (49.77%) being the most prevalent, followed by HPIV-4 (18.90%), HPIV-2 (17.52%), and HPIV-1 (13.83%). HPIV-3 exhibited distinct seasonal peaks, mainly affecting children (1-9 years). Significant variations in hematological and biochemical markers were observed among serotypes and age groups. Upper and lower respiratory symptoms, along with gastrointestinal issues and systemic manifestations such as chills, myalgia, and weakness, are commonly reported.
Conclusion:
HPIVs contribute to respiratory illness across diverse demographics. HPIV-3 is the predominant serotype, with distinct seasonal and age-related patterns. Improved surveillance and diagnostics could aid in better management and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
