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Respiratory viruses in children attending a major referral centre in Saudi Arabia
S al-Hajjar1, J Akhter, S al Jumaah
1Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
This study identified common respiratory viruses in children in Riyadh, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenoviruses being the most frequent. Viral infections caused a range of illnesses, from mild to severe lower respiratory tract diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Viral respiratory infections are a significant cause of morbidity in infants and children.
- Understanding the spectrum of viruses and associated diseases is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize respiratory viruses causing illness in children over a three-year period.
- To determine the frequency and seasonality of different viral agents.
- To correlate viral isolation with disease severity and patient demographics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical specimens submitted for viral diagnosis.
- Identification of five key respiratory viruses: RSV, adenoviruses, influenza, enteroviruses, and parainfluenza.
- Data collection over a 36-month period from August 1993 to July 1996.
Main Results:
- A total of 256 viral isolates were identified.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most common (28.5%), followed by adenoviruses (27.3%) and influenza viruses (23.8%).
- Viruses were more prevalent in hospitalized children (emergency/pediatric wards) compared to outpatients.
Conclusions:
- RSV and adenoviruses are leading causes of viral respiratory illness in children in Riyadh.
- Seasonal patterns were observed, with RSV peaking in winter and influenza in early winter.
- Prompt diagnosis and understanding of viral epidemiology are essential for pediatric respiratory care.
Abstract:
Viral respiratory infections are common causes of illness in infants and children. Examination of clinical specimens submitted for diagnosis during a 3-year period (August 1993-July 1996) at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH & RC) in Riyadh revealed a wide spectrum of diseases associated with the isolation of five respiratory viruses. Severity of disease ranged from mild upper respiratory illness to threatening lower respiratory illnesses including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Of the 256 isolates, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) accounted for 73 (28.5%), adenoviruses for 70 (27.3%), influenza viruses for 61 (23.8%), enteroviruses for 39 (15.2%) and para-influenza for 13 (2.3%). Viruses were found more frequently in children attending emergency or paediatric wards than in outpatients. RSV appears in November and the seasonal peak occurs during January and February. Influenza activity begins in September and peaks in November and December. Para-influenza type I emerges in winter and para-influenza type III follows the influenza epidemic and may be detected sporadically in summer. The other viruses (enteroviruses, adenoviruses) were isolated throughout the year.