Abstract
BackgroundAcute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children in Africa. The circulation of viruses classically implicated in ARIs is poorly known in Burkina Faso. The aim of this study was to identify the respiratory viruses present in children admitted to or consulting at the pediatric hospital in Ouagadougou.MethodsFrom July 2010 to July 2011, we tested nasal aspirates of 209 children with upper or lower respiratory infection for main respiratory viruses (respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), metapneumovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses 1, 2 and 3, influenza A, B and C, rhinovirus/enterovirus), by immunofluorescence locally in Ouagadougou, and by PCR in France. Bacteria have also been investigated in 97 samples.Results153 children (73.2%) carried at least one virus and 175 viruses were detected. Rhinoviruses/enteroviruses were most frequently detected (rhinovirus n = 88; enterovirus n = 38) and were found to circulate throughout the year. An epidemic of RSV infections (n = 25) was identified in September/October, followed by an epidemic of influenza virus (n = 13), mostly H1N1pdm09. This epidemic occurred during the period of the year in which nighttime temperatures and humidity were at their lowest. Other viruses tested were detected only sporadically. Twenty-two viral co-infections were observed. Bacteria were detected in 29/97 samples with 22 viral/bacterial co-infections.ConclusionsThis study, the first of its type in Burkina Faso, warrants further investigation to confirm the seasonality of RSV infection and to improve local diagnosis of influenza. The long-term objective is to optimize therapeutic management of infected children.
Highlights
Respiratory viruses are ubiquitous, but most epidemiological knowledge relates to developed countries
In Burkina Faso (West Africa), Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a major cause of child admissions to hospital [2] with a 17.6% mortality rate in children aged under 5 years [3]
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus, rhinoviruses, parainfluenza (PIVs) and influenza viruses are currently recognized as common ARI etiologies in young children in developed countries [4,5]
Summary
Respiratory viruses are ubiquitous, but most epidemiological knowledge relates to developed countries. The burden of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) is heavy among children in developing countries, with high mortality and hospital admission rates. The number of deaths related to ARIs has been estimated at 1.9 million children aged less than 5 years, 70% of whom live in Africa or South-East Asia [1]. In Burkina Faso (West Africa), ARIs are a major cause of child admissions to hospital [2] with a 17.6% mortality rate in children aged under 5 years [3]. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), rhinoviruses, parainfluenza (PIVs) and influenza viruses are currently recognized as common ARI etiologies in young children in developed countries [4,5]. Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children in Africa.
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