Viral Aetiology of Acute Respiratory Infections in Children in North India

Abstract

Two hundred and thirty children clinically diagnosed as suffering from acute respiratory infection were tested for four major groups of viral aetiological agents, i.e. influenza para-influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenoviruses using indirect immunofluorescence technique. At least one of the respiratory viruses was identified in 51 (22 per cent) specimens, which included influenza A in 6 (3 per cent), influenza B in 3 (1 per cent), para-influenza type 1 in 3 (1 per cent), para-influenza type 3 in 13 (6 per cent), RSV in 11 (5 per cent) adenovirus in 12 (5 per cent), and dual virus infections in 3 (1 per cent) cases. Maximum number of virus identification was noted in children below 1 year of age, particularly infection with RSV followed by para-influenza and adenoviruses. Value of rapid diagnosis by indirect immunofluorescence technique is stressed.

Genetic Variability in the G Protein Gene of Group A and B Respiratory Syncytial Viruses from India

“…RSV is a major respiratory tract viral pathogen among hospitalized children in India (15,22,23,31,34). Approximately 0.5 million children die due to ALRI in India each year, accounting for one-fourth of the 1.9 million deaths from ALRI that occur globally each year (1,35,49).…”

“…Onefourth (2.5 million) of the total deaths among children less than 5 years of age occur in India (1), and approximately 20% of these are due to ARI (0.5 million) (35,49). Viruses are found in 20 to 40% of children hospitalized with ARIs in India, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being one of the most frequently identified pathogens (15,22,23).…”

“…Onefourth (2.5 million) of the total deaths among children less than 5 years of age occur in India (1), and approximately 20% of these are due to ARI (0.5 million) (35,49). Viruses are found in 20 to 40% of children hospitalized with ARIs in India, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being one of the most frequently identified pathogens (15,22,23).RSV strains vary genetically and antigenically and have been classified into two broad groups, groups A and B (2,11,16,25), with additional variability detected within the groups (4, 40). Antigenic variability is thought to contribute to the capacity of the virus to establish reinfections throughout life and may pose a challenge to vaccine design.…”

Enhanced detection of respiratory syncytial virus by shell vial in children hospitalised with respiratory illnesses in Northern Jordan

“…Respiratory tract infection remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in large areas of the world and in many countries, children develop three to five respiratory every year (Misra et al, 1990, Hijazi et al, 1997. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of respiratory tract infection in both infants and young children [Arens et al, 1986;Dowell et al, 1996;Levy and Graber, 1997].…”

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Circulating Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Chennai, South India during 2011-2014

“…Other than that bacterial infection, Influenza virus and Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) have been identified as the predominant etiological agents for lower respiratory tract infections [5][6][7] . About 20-40 % of the children are hospitalized due to RSV with ARI in India [8][9][10] . Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the second most frequent cause of respiratory infections, and the main cause of severe cases of bronchitis and pneumonia in infants and young children 11 .RSV has been considered as an important viral infection, there is no antiviral treatment and effective vaccine prophylaxis is currently available against to RSV infections 12,13 .…”