Epidemiology and Seasonality of Respiratory Viruses Detected from Children with Respiratory Tract Infections in Wuxi, East China

Abstract

BackgroundRespiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the major causes of mortality and morbidity in children and lead to hospitalization in developing countries. However, little is known about the epidemiology and seasonality of respiratory viruses in the pediatric population in Wuxi, East China.Material/MethodsWe included all patients 14 years of age and below who presented with signs and symptoms of RTIs between January 2010 and December 2016. During this period, a total of 2160 children treated in Wuxi No. 2 People’s Hospital were involved in our study. The clinical and sociodemographic data were recorded to describe the frequency and seasonality. Respiratory specimens were tested by multiplex real-time PCR assays for virus identification.ResultsMore than 30% (35.19%, 760 samples) of the specimens showed evidence of infection with viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (368 samples), influenza virus A (114 samples), influenza virus B (115 samples), parainfluenza virus I (29 samples), parainfluenza virus II (39 samples), parainfluenza virus III (13 samples), and adenovirus (82 samples); 48.99% of the children infected with viruses were under 12 months of age. Viruses were detected throughout all the year, with a peak in winter.ConclusionsOur study found that RSV is the most important cause of RTIs in our region during winter. Our data provide a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology and seasonality of virus, which may help to reduce the use of antibiotics and implement an effective approach for prevention, control, and treatment of RTIs, especially during its peak season.

Etiologic Features of Respiratory Tract Infections Seen in Children with Primary Nephrotic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study

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Epidemiological and virological characteristics of respiratory tract infections in children during COVID-19 outbreak

“…The rate of respiratory tract infections was still lower in the “sequelae of isolation” or “post-isolation era”. This phenomenon could be explained by several reasons as follows: (1) Parents’ awareness of prevention for respiratory tract infections was enhanced and these preventive measures were maintained such as wearing masks, and keeping social distance; (2) Some patients were likely in the incubation period; (3) The incidence of respiratory infections was lower in warm seasons [ 31 ].…”

Shifts in the epidemic season of human respiratory syncytial virus associated with inbound overseas travelers and meteorological conditions in Japan, 2014–2017: An ecological study

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