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Respiratory syncytial virus infection in young children hospitalized with respiratory illness in Riyadh
G A Jamjoom1, A M al-Semrani, A Board
1Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) caused over half of lower respiratory tract illnesses in young children hospitalized in Riyadh. This common childhood virus was the primary pathogen identified during the study period.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI) is a significant cause of hospitalization in young children.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common viral pathogen affecting infants and young children.
- Understanding the epidemiology of RSV in specific regions is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and clinical characteristics of RSV infections in hospitalized children with LRTI.
- To identify the role of RSV as a causative agent of LRTI in young children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study conducted from September 1991 to February 1992 at King Khalid University Hospital.
- Nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from 127 hospitalized children with LRTI.
- Viral antigen detection using immunofluorescent antibody staining; virus culture in select cases.
Main Results:
- RSV was diagnosed in 69 out of 127 children (54%), predominantly in those under one year old (median age 2 months).
- Bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia were the main admitting diagnoses.
- Average hospitalization was 5 days; supportive care was standard, with most receiving antibiotics. No mortality was observed.
Conclusions:
- RSV is a major pathogen responsible for LRTI in hospitalized young children in Riyadh during the autumn-winter season.
- The findings highlight the significant burden of RSV on pediatric healthcare in the region.
- Further research on RSV prevention and management strategies is warranted.
Abstract:
The occurrence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection among young children hospitalized with lower respiratory tract illness, at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, was examined during the autumn-winter season between September 1991 and February 1992. Sixty-nine cases were diagnosed by immunofluorescent antibody staining of viral antigen in nasopharyngeal aspirates from 127 children, constituting 54 per cent of these patients. Virus culture was attempted only in a few cases, yielding two isolates. Most children were < 1 year of age (median 2 months). Bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia were the major diagnoses on admission. Hospitalization was for an average of 5 days (range 1-36 days). Treatment was supportive but most children received antibiotic therapy. There was no mortality. Few other bacterial or viral pathogens could be identified from RSV-positive or -negative patients. These results indicate that, during the season of infection, RSV may be the main pathogen of lower respiratory tract illness in hospitalized young children in this region.