Respiratory syncytial virus: Changes in prevalence of subgroups A and B among Argentinian children, 1990-1996

Abstract

The frequency of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the distribution of subgroups A and B strains during 7 consecutive years (1990-1996) were examined in two cities of Argentina. Nasopharyngeal aspirates from 1,304 children less than 2 years of age hospitalized with acute lower respiratory infection were studied by indirect immunofluorescence. RSV was detected in 352 cases (26.9%), and the peak activity was observed in midwinter. Subgroup characterization was performed with two monoclonal antibodies against the F protein on nasopharyngeal aspirate smears. Of 195 samples, 174 (89.2%) were identified as subgroup A strains and 21 (10.8%) as subgroup B. Both strains cocirculated during 5 of 7 years studied with subgroup A predominating. Subgroup A occurred at least 8 times as often in all years except for 1994-1995. Children infected by subgroup A were younger than those infected by subgroup B (P < 0.05). The association of subgroup A infection with bronchiolitis and subgroup B with pneumonia was statistically significant (P < 0.03).

Molecular epidemiology of human respiratory syncytial virus in Uruguay: 1985-2001 - A review

“…1. Both groups circulated together in most of the outbreaks, as seen in countries from the Northern (Akerlind & Norby 1986, Waris 1991 and Southern hemisphere (Salomon et al 1988, Siqueira et al 1991, Carballal et al 2000. A wide predominance of HRSV group A strain circulation was observed during the 17 consecutive periods analyzed, in agreement with most of the previous reports.…”

“…A wide predominance of HRSV group A strain circulation was observed during the 17 consecutive periods analyzed, in agreement with most of the previous reports. In some countries where both groups co-circulated, group A was always predominant (Storch & Park 1987, Morgan et al 1987, Carballal et al 2000.…”

Genetic and Antigenic Variability of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Groups A and B) Isolated over Seven Consecutive Seasons in Argentina (1995 to 2001)

“…Most studies have focused on group characterization with monoclonal antibodies and clinical features associated with HRSV infection (6,17,35).…”

Etiology of childhood community acquired pneumonia and its implications for vaccination

“…RSV vaccine is considered a priority by several experts [38]. RSV frequency has ranged from 15.8%-28% in several other studies conducted in Argentina, Ethiopia, Japan and Mexico, studying children with ALRTI [39][40][41][42]. Despite its important frequency, distinguishing RSV from other ALRTIs is difficult because of the similarities in clinical presentation [43]; RSV has also been associated with recurrent episodes of wheezing in children [44].…”