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Parainfluenza virus infections in the Cirencester Survey: seasonal and other characteristics

R E Hope-Simpson

    The Journal of Hygiene
    |December 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    This 14-year study found parainfluenza virus types 1, 2, and 3 cause respiratory illnesses. Type 3 parainfluenza virus showed distinct seasonal patterns and potentially heterogeneous subtypes, impacting very young infants most severely.

    Area of Science:

    • * Virology
    • * Epidemiology
    • * Public Health

    Background:

    • * Parainfluenza viruses (PIVs) are significant respiratory pathogens.
    • * Long-term surveillance data on PIV types and associated illnesses in general practice populations are limited.
    • * Understanding PIV epidemiology is crucial for public health interventions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • * To analyze the incidence and characteristics of parainfluenza virus types 1, 2, and 3 infections over 14 years.
    • * To investigate the clinical presentation and seasonality of PIV infections in a general practice setting.
    • * To explore potential heterogeneity within PIV type 3 based on seasonal prevalence and severity.

    Main Methods:

    • * Conducted a 14-year prospective surveillance of a general practice population (approx. 3700 individuals).
    • * Isolated and typed parainfluenza viruses from patients presenting with respiratory illnesses.
    • * Analyzed isolation data by PIV type, season, age, sex, and clinical presentation.

    Main Results:

    • * Parainfluenza virus types 1, 2, and 3 were isolated 165 times; type 4 was not detected.
    • * Annual infection rates per 10,000 population were: Type 1 (33), Type 2 (13), Type 3 (50).
    • * Illnesses included sore throats, acute febrile respiratory diseases (FRD), and acute non-febrile respiratory diseases (non-FRD).
    • * Type 1 and 2 infections peaked in November and December, respectively, with low warm-semester prevalence.
    • * Type 3 infections exhibited a bimodal seasonal pattern with a winter peak and a significant warm-semester prevalence (66%).
    • * Type 3 infections were often more severe in warmer months and later study years, suggesting potential subtype heterogeneity.
    • * Type 3 infections predominated in very young infants; Type 2 infections were widespread across all ages.
    • * Females were more frequently affected by Type 1 (68.4%) and Type 2 (63.6%) infections, while Type 3 showed a more balanced distribution (53.5% female).
    • * Type 3 infections in males outnumbered females up to age 60.
    • * Geographical discontinuity of Type 3 isolations supported the hypothesis of two subtypes.
    • * Recurrences were rare; co-infections with different PIV types were infrequent.

    Conclusions:

    • * Parainfluenza viruses, particularly type 3, are common causes of respiratory illness in the studied population.
    • * Type 3 parainfluenza virus may consist of heterogeneous subtypes with differing seasonal prevalence and severity.
    • * Further research into PIV subtype characteristics is warranted to inform targeted public health strategies.

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