A study on aetiology and outcomes of viral lower respiratory tract infections in hospitalized children from South India

Introduction: Viral respiratory infection is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children, especially those less than 5 years old.

Objectives: To study the aetiology and seasonal variation of viral lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in hospitalized children and to assess the morbidity and mortality.

Method: A retrospective cohort study was done on children, aged 1 month to 16 years, admitted in G. Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Coimbatore, South India. Case records of children hospitalized with features of LRTI, for whom respiratory viral panel was sent, were retrospectively reviewed and were analysed from July 2017 to June 2018. The aetiology of viral infection, age wise distribution, severity of illness and seasonal variation were studied. Multiplex PCR panel was done from either throat swab or nasopharyngeal aspirate in 69 children admitted with a clinician diagnosis of LRTI.

Results: Respiratory viruses were identified in 33 (47.8%) of the 69 children. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Influenza viruses A and B, parainfluenza virus and boca virus were the common viruses isolated from hospitalized children with LRTI. RSV and bocavirus were common among children less than 2 years old. RSV infection began in July, peaked during September and October and continued till January. Influenza virus was common among children more than 2 years and occurred between September and March.

Conclusions: RSV, Influenza A and B viruses, parainfluenza virus and bocavirus were the common viruses isolated from hospitalized children with LRTI. RSV infection peaked from September to October whilst influenza virus infection peaked from January to March.

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2020; 49(3): 218-222