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Respiratory syncytial virus infections in malnourished children

M U Nwankwo1, H O Okuonghae, G Currier

  • 1Department of Child Health, University of Benin, Nigeria.

Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|January 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Severely malnourished children in Nigeria showed low rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Those infected typically experienced mild symptoms, indicating malnutrition does not increase RSV risk or disease severity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nutrition

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory pathogen.
  • Severe malnutrition is prevalent in some regions, potentially impacting immune responses.
  • The specific risk and disease presentation of RSV in malnourished children require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of RSV infection in severely malnourished children.
  • To compare RSV infection rates between malnourished children and well-nourished controls.
  • To describe the clinical manifestations of RSV infection in malnourished children.

Main Methods:

  • Study conducted at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria during a known RSV outbreak.
  • Nasopharyngeal washings collected from severely malnourished children and well-nourished controls.
  • RSV detection performed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique.

Main Results:

  • RSV prevalence was 16% in malnourished children versus 55% in controls.
  • Four malnourished children (8%) acquired nosocomial RSV infection.
  • Fever and rhinitis were common; no lower respiratory tract infections observed in RSV-positive malnourished children.

Conclusions:

  • Malnourished children in this setting were not at increased risk for RSV infection.
  • RSV infection in severely malnourished children typically presents with mild symptoms.
  • Malnutrition does not appear to predispose children to severe RSV disease.

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