Cause Of Acute Respiratory Infections Research Articles

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of influenza virus infection in hospitalized children with acute respiratory infections in Sri Lanka.

Influenza viruses (Inf-V) are an important cause of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children. This study was undertaken to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Inf-V infections in a sample of hospitalized children with ARI. Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) from 500 children between 1 month to 5 years old with symptoms of ARI were collected at the Teaching Hospital Kegalle Sri Lanka From May 2016 to June 2018, NPAs were tested for influenza A (Inf-A) and B (Inf-B) viruses, human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), human parainfluenza virus (hPIV) 1–3 using an immunofluorescence assay. The Inf-V were then subtyped using a multiplex RT-PCR. Inf-V were detected in 10.75% (54/502) of the hospitalized children with ARI and in that 5.57% (28/502) were positive for Inf-A and 5.17% (26/502) were positive for Inf-B. Of the 54 Inf-V positive children, 33 were aged between 6 and 20 months. Of the 28 children infected with Inf-A, 15 had uncharacterized lower respiratory infection, 7 had bronchopneumonia and 6 had bronchiolitis. Of the 26 children infected with Inf-B, 11 had uncharacterized lower respiratory infection, 10 had bronchiolitis, and 4 had bronchopneumonia. Inf-B circulated throughout the year with a few peaks, one in June and then in August followed by November to December in 2016 and one in April 2017 and January 2018. Inf-A circulated throughout the year with a major peak in March to April 2017 and July 2018. ARI was more common in boys compared to girls. Majority of the children infected with Inf-V were diagnosed with uncharacterized lower respiratory infection and mild to moderate bronchiolitis. Inf-V infections were prevalent throughout the year in the study area of Sri Lanka with variations in the type of the circulating virus.

Genome analysis of human respiratory syncytial virus in Fujian Province, Southeast China.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the main causes of acute respiratory infections (ARI)leading to a heavy disease burden. Reports on RSV in China are limited, especially in Fujian Province, and RSV whole-genome sequences in Fujian Province are not reported. This study aimed to explore the genomic characteristics of RSV to provide evidence for the development of vaccines and medicines. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to amplify and obtain the attachment (G) gene and whole-genome fragments from the positive samples. Genetic evolution as well as nucleotide and amino acid homology analyses of the virus sequences were conducted to identify any amino acid mutations. A total of 72 RSV-positive cases were collected, and 53G gene sequences were obtained using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The ON1 and BA11 genotypes were found to be dominant using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) on the NCBI website. The 40 genotype ON1 sequences had high nucleotide identity (95.3%-99.8%) and amino acid similarity (92.5%-100%), whereas the 13 BA11 genotype sequenceshad 97.3%-99.6% nucleotide identity and 94.8%-99.7% amino acid similarity. Compared to the ON1 prototype (JN257693) and BA11 prototype (AY333364), the obtained sequences had no nucleotide insertions or deletions, indicating high similarity among the samples. A total of 17 RSV whole genome sequences were obtained, 10 of which were genotype ON1 and seven were genotype BA11. Certain amino acid mutations were found in the antigen site and epitope of the fusion (F) protein but not in the G protein. Glycosylation analyses of specific RSV genes revealed high positive selection rates for the gene, and the N- and O-linked glycosylation sequences in the F gene were relatively conserved. From July 2018 to January 2020, ON1 and BA11 were the most prevalent RSV genotypes in Fujian Province. A high nucleotide identity and amino acid similarity were observed between the reference strain and the obtained strains, as well as among the sequences of the obtained isotypes. Certain amino acid mutations occur at the antigen site and the epitope of the F protein.

Characterization of prefusion-F-specific antibodies elicited by natural infection with human metapneumovirus.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a major cause of acute respiratory infections in infants and older adults, for which no vaccines or therapeutics are available. The viral fusion (F)glycoprotein is required for entry and is the primary target of neutralizing antibodies; however, little is known about the humoral immune response generated from natural infection. Here, using prefusion-stabilized F proteins to interrogate memory B cells from two older adults, we obtain over 700 paired non-IgM antibody sequences representing 563 clonotypes, indicative of a highly polyclonal response. Characterization of 136 monoclonal antibodies reveals broad recognition of the protein surface, with potently neutralizing antibodies targeting each antigenic site. Cryo-EM studies further reveal two non-canonical sites and the molecular basis for recognition of the apex of hMPV F by two prefusion-specific neutralizing antibodies. Collectively, these results provide insight into the humoral response to hMPV infection in older adults and will help guide vaccine development.

Impact of influenza infection on the short- and long-term health of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background Influenza is a common cause of acute respiratory infection that leads to exacerbation of underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To elucidate the short- and long-term effects of influenza in patients with COPD, we examined health care resource utilization (HRU) and costs up to 13 months following influenza infection. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using U.S. insurance claims data from MarketScan. Patients with an influenza diagnosis during the 2012–2014 influenza seasons and continuous enrollment in a health plan from 12 months before to 13 months after the index influenza diagnosis were identified and propensity score–matched 1:5 to controls without evidence of influenza. COPD- and pneumonia-related outcomes were assessed over 13 months following influenza diagnosis. Results COPD-associated outcomes after diagnosis were significantly worse in patients with influenza (n = 7,087) vs. controls (n = 35,435) during the first month (exacerbation: 16.1 vs. 3.4%; outpatient visits: 57.1 vs. 35.2%; emergency department (ED) visits: 10.5 vs. 1.8%; and inpatient visits: 5.6 vs. 0.7%) and months 2–13 (exacerbation: 25.1 vs. 21.1%; outpatient visits: 86.1 vs. 85.8%; ED visits: 20.0 vs. 15.7%; and inpatient visits: 6.5 vs. 5.3%). COPD- and pneumonia-associated costs for months 1 and 2–13 were higher in patients with influenza. Limitations The study was subject to a residual imbalance between cohorts despite propensity score matching. The use of diagnostic codes to select patients and identify complications could introduce inaccuracies in estimating events. Conclusions HRU and costs were higher in COPD patients with influenza during the first month and over the entire year following infection. This suggests influenza has an impact on respiratory health in patients with COPD that lasts beyond the acute infection.

High prevalence and clinical characteristics of respiratory infection by human rhinovirus in children from Lima-Peru during years 2009–2010

IntroductionHuman rhinovirus is a major cause of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) worldwide. Epidemiological data on human rhinovirus (RV) in Peru is still scarce, as well as its role in respiratory infections in children. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of rhinovirus and to identify the circulating species in nasopharyngeal swabs from children with acute respiratory infections.Materials and methodsWe analyzed nasopharyngeal swab samples that were collected from children younger than 17 years old, who had a clinical diagnosis of ARI from the “Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia” between May 2009 and December 2010. The original study recruited 767 inpatients with ARI, 559 samples of which were included and analyzed in the current study. Detection of rhinovirus and determination of rhinovirus species were characterized by PCR.ResultsRhinovirus was detected in 42.22% samples (236/559), RV-A was detected in 10.17% (24/236) of the cases, RV-B in 16.53% (39/236), and RV-C in 73.31% (173/236). The age group with the highest number of cases was the 0–5 months group with 45.97%, followed by the 1–5 years group with 25.22%. Most of the positive RV cases, i.e., 86.44% (204/236), were hospitalized. The most common signs and symptoms found in patients who tested positive for RV were cough (72.88%), fever (68.64%), rhinorrhea (68.22%), and respiratory distress (61.44%). Infection with RV-A was associated with wheezing (p = 0.02). Furthermore, RV-C was related to cough (p = 0.01), wheezing (p = 0.002), and conjunctival injection (p = 0.03). A peak in RV-C cases was found in March (32 cases in 2010); June (18 cases in 2009 and 12 cases in 2010), which corresponds to the fall season in Peru; and also November (17 cases in 2009 and 4 cases in 2010), which corresponds to spring. RV-A and RV-B cases were constant throughout the year.ConclusionIn conclusion, we found a high prevalence of rhinovirus C infection among pediatric patients with acute respiratory infections in Lima, Peru. This viral infection was more common in children between 0 to 5 months old, and was associated with cough, wheezing, and conjunctival injection. Epidemiological surveillance of this virus should be strengthened/encouraged in Peru to determine its real impact on respiratory infections.

Identification of Factors Causing Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) of Under-Fives in Community Health Center Work Area in North Jayapura Sub-District

Background: Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is an acute infection of the upper and lower respiratory tract of organs. This infection is caused by the virus, fungi, and bacteria that begin with fever and one or more symptoms such as throat pain, difficulty swallowing, flu, and wet or dry cough. Riskesdas (Basic Health Research) categorizes Papua province in five highest areas with the infectious disease of air such as ARI and Pneumonia. Based on the annual data of Jayapura Public Health office of disease prevention and control sector reported that ARI was included in ten highest types of infectious diseases in Jayapura city suffered by under-fives. Objective: This research aimed to identify the factors caused by the IRA in the Community Health Center work area in North Jayapura Sub-district, Jayapura City, Papua Province. Methodology: A descriptive quantitative method with cross-sectional research design was used in this study. Sample of 100 under-fives in the Community Health Center of North Jayapura Sub-district were selected for this study. The technique was purposive sampling and the data collections were questionnaires and observation (done in the respondent’s houses). This research was done in Juni to August 2019. Results & Discussion: The results were presented through the table form and showed that the causes of ARI were from the under-fives, family, and environment. The conclusion of this research: smoking behavior of family is the biggest causative factor of ARI.

#65 Respiratory Syncytial Virus Surveillance Among Hospitalized Children in Amman, Jordan

Abstract Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in young children worldwide. In Jordan, RSV has previously been reported as the most frequently detected virus among hospitalized children less than two years. We aimed to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of RSV-positive and RSV-negative hospitalized children during the peak season in Amman, Jordan. Method Children under two years who presented with fever and/or respiratory symptoms within 72 hours of hospitalization at a government-run hospital were enrolled. We systematically collected demographic and clinical characteristics via parental interviews and medical chart abstractions. Anterior nasal and/or throat swabs were collected and tested for RSV by PCR. Differences in clinical characteristics were evaluated by RSV status using two-sample t- tests allowing for unequal variances for continuous variables and Pearson's Chi-squared test for categorical variables, alpha=0.05. Results From January 8 to March 17, 2020, 531 children were enrolled and tested, of which 57% were male and had a mean age of 5 months. Of those who were tested, 401 (76%) were RSV-positive. Children with RSV were younger and less likely to have an underlying medical condition compared to children without RSV (Table 1). RSV-positive children were more likely to present with cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, nasal congestion, decreased appetite, vomiting, wheezing, and had a higher respiratory rate at admission than RSV-negative children. Compared to RSV-negative children, RSV-positive children were more likely to have an admission diagnosis of pneumonia and bronchiolitis and less likely have the diagnosis of rule out sepsis. Conclusion In our study, more than three-quarters of children hospitalized with ARI had RSV. Additional prevention measures, such as vaccines or antivirals, are needed to effectively reduce the RSV burden among young children in Jordan.

Off-season RSV epidemics in Australia after easing of COVID-19 restrictions

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of acute respiratory infection with the most severe disease in the young and elderly. Non-pharmaceutical interventions and travel restrictions for controlling COVID-19 have impacted the circulation of most respiratory viruses including RSV globally, particularly in Australia, where during 2020 the normal winter epidemics were notably absent. However, in late 2020, unprecedented widespread RSV outbreaks occurred, beginning in spring, and extending into summer across two widely separated regions of the Australian continent, New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in the east, and Western Australia. Through genomic sequencing we reveal a major reduction in RSV genetic diversity following COVID-19 emergence with two genetically distinct RSV-A clades circulating cryptically, likely localised for several months prior to an epidemic surge in cases upon relaxation of COVID-19 control measures. The NSW/ACT clade subsequently spread to the neighbouring state of Victoria and to cause extensive outbreaks and hospitalisations in early 2021. These findings highlight the need for continued surveillance and sequencing of RSV and other respiratory viruses during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as mitigation measures may disrupt seasonal patterns, causing larger or more severe outbreaks.

Identifying the Target Population for Primary Respiratory Syncytial Virus Two-Step Prevention in Infants: Normative Outcome of Hospitalisation Assessment for Newborns (NOHAN).

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute respiratory infection- related hospitalisations in infants (RSVh). Most of these infants are younger than 6 months old with no known risk factors. An efficient RSVh prevention program should address both mothers and infants, relying on Non-Pharmaceutical (NPI) and Pharmaceutical Interventions (PI). This study aimed at identifying the target population for these two interventions. Methods: Laboratory-confirmed RSV-infected infants hospitalised during the first 6 months of life were enrolled from the Hospices Civils de Lyon birth cohort (2014 to 2018). Clinical variables related to pregnancy and birth (sex, month of birth, birth weight, gestational age, parity) were used for descriptive epidemiology, multivariate logistic regression, and predictive score development. Results: Overall, 616 cases of RSVh in 45,648 infants were identified. Being born before the epidemic season, prematurity, and multiparity were independent predictors of RSVh. Infants born in January or June to August with prematurity and multiparity, and those born in September or December with only one other risk factor (prematurity or multiparity) were identified as moderate-risk, identifying the mothers as candidates for a first-level NPI prevention program. Infants born in September or December with prematurity and multiparity, and those born in October or November were identified as high-risk, identifying the mothers and infants as candidates for a second-level (NPI and PI) intervention. Conclusions: It is possible to determine predictors of RSVh at birth, allowing early enrollment of the target population in a two-level RSV prevention intervention.

Racial and Ethnic Differences of Influenza-Associated Pediatric Hospitalizations and Deaths, 2008-2017.

Background: Influenza is one of the most common causes of acute respiratory infections in children; its complications are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. There is a paucity of pediatric data on influenza disparities among racial/ethnic minorities. Our study assesses if there are racial/ethnic differences in hospitalizations and mortality in children infected with influenza. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017. We included children 18 years and younger hospitalized with a primary or secondary diagnosis of influenza or its subtypes. We generated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the associations between patient characteristics and influenza hospitalizations and influenza-related mortality. Results: There were 226,535 (0.04%) influenza-associated hospitalizations. When compared with non-Hispanic (NH) White children, minority children were more likely to be hospitalized with an influenza diagnosis [Hispanics (aOR = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.33), NH-Blacks (aOR = 1.21, 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.33) and NH-Others group (aOR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.19)]. There was no racial/ethnic difference in mortality. Conclusions: Minority children experienced a higher likelihood of influenza-associated hospitalizations but not mortality. Further research is needed to reduce the racial/ethnic disparities of influenza's impact.

Influenza epidemiology in patients admitted to sentinel Australian hospitals in 2019: the Influenza Complications Alert Network (FluCAN).

Influenza is a common cause of acute respiratory infection, and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This report summarises the epidemiology of hospitalisations with laboratory-confirmed influenza during the 2019 influenza season. The Influenza Complications Alert Network (FluCAN) is a sentinel hospital-based surveillance program that operates at sites in all jurisdictions in Australia. Cases were defined as patients hospitalised at any of the 17 sentinel hospitals with influenza confirmed by nucleic acid detection. Data were also collected on a frequency matched control group of influenza-negative patients admitted with acute respiratory infection. During the period 1 April to 31 October 2019 (the 2019 influenza season), there were 4,154 patients admitted with confirmed influenza to one of 17 FluCAN sentinel hospitals. Of these, 44% were elderly (≥ 65 years), 21% were children (< 16 years), 7.7% were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, 1.7% were pregnant and 73% had chronic comorbidities. Most admissions were due to influenza A infection (85%). Estimated vaccine coverage was 75% in the elderly, 49% in non-elderly adults with medical comorbidities, and 27% in young children (< 5 years). The estimated vaccine effectiveness in the target adult population was 42% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 36%, 49%). There were a larger number of hospital admissions detected with confirmed influenza in this national observational surveillance system in 2019 than in 2018.

Molecular investigation of human metapneumovirus in children with acute respiratory infections in Chennai, South India, from 2016-2018.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has emerged as a frequent cause of acute respiratory infections (ARI) among young children. The prevalence and genetic diversity of hMPV circulating in Chennai, Southern India, has not been studied yet. Hence, this study was aimed to investigate the prevalence, co-infection with other respiratory viruses like HRSV A and B, influenza A and B, hRV and HPIV 1-4 viruses, socio-demographic associations, and genotypes of hMPV among children in Chennai. A total of 350 nasal swab specimens were collected from children with ARI during April 2016 to August 2018 and tested for hMPV by real time PCR method. In this study, hMPV was detected in 4% (14/350) of the samples. One hMPV positive sample was found to be co-infected with influenza B virus. The mean and median ages of the children with hMPV infection were 61.5months (5.1years) and 83months (6.9years), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial F gene revealed the presence of A2c subcluster among the study strains as well as with B1 and B2 lineages. The prevalence data obtained in this study is important in evaluating the role of hMPV in childhood ARI and emphasizes the importance of routine viral diagnosis in hospitals. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the prevalence, seasonality, and genetic diversity of hMPV in Chennai as well as the first study to report A2c subcluster of hMPV among children in India.

A case\u2013control study of the causes of acute respiratory infection among hospitalized patients in Northeastern Laos

With the advent of highly sensitive real-time PCR, multiple pathogens have been identified from nasopharyngeal swabs of patients with acute respiratory infections (ARIs). However, the detection of microorganisms in the upper respiratory tract does not necessarily indicate disease causation. We conducted a matched case–control study, nested within a broader fever aetiology project, to facilitate determination of the aetiology of ARIs in hospitalised patients in Northeastern Laos. Consenting febrile patients of any age admitted to Xiengkhuang Provincial Hospital were included if they met the inclusion criteria for ARI presentation (at least one of the following: cough, rhinorrhoea, nasal congestion, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and/or abnormal chest auscultation). One healthy control for each patient, matched by sex, age, and village of residence, was recruited for the study. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from participants and tested for 33 pathogens by probe-based multiplex real-time RT-PCR (FastTrack Diagnostics Respiratory pathogen 33 kit). Attributable fraction of illness for a given microorganism was calculated by comparing results between patients and controls (= 100 * [OR − 1]/OR) (OR = odds ratio). Between 24th June 2019 and 24th June 2020, 205 consenting ARI patients and 205 matching controls were recruited. After excluding eight pairs due to age mismatch, 197 pairs were included in the analysis. Males were predominant with sex ratio 1.2:1 and children < 5 years old accounted for 59% of participants. At least one potential pathogen was detected in 173 (88%) patients and 175 (89%) controls. ARI in admitted patients were attributed to influenza B virus, influenza A virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 17.8%, 17.2%, 7.5%, and 6.5% of participants, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in any cases or controls. Determining ARI aetiology in individual patients remains challenging. Among hospitalised patients with ARI symptoms presenting to a provincial hospital in Northeastern Laos, half were determined to be caused by one of several respiratory viruses, in particular influenza A virus, influenza B virus, HMPV, and RSV.

Evaluation of children diagnosed with a lower respiratory tract infection due to Human metapneumovirus.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of the leading causes of acute respiratory infections and bronchiolitis in infants. A history of prematurity and chronic diseases such as congenital heart disease or asthma/reactive airway disease (RAD) increases the risk of severe lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) due to hMPV. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to analyze the clinical outcome and risk factors for severe disease in children with LRTI due to hMPV. The current cross-sectional study included children between 28 days and 18 years of age with the diagnosis of hMPV-associated LRTI hospitalizations, over two years from January 2016 to September 2018 in Health Science University Dr. Behçet Uz Child Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital. hMPV virus was detected by the multiplex polymerase chain test (PCR) (Commercial Multiplex Real-Time PCR: FTD Respiratory 21 plus, Fast Track Diagnostics, Luxembourg) from a nasopharyngeal swab. Patients who had positive results in multiplex PCR tests with other viral agents simultaneously were not included in the study. Data were retrospectively collected from the computerized hospital system. In this cross-sectional study, 62 patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of LRTI due to hMPV infection were included. Thirty-five (55.7%) of the patients were male. The median age was one year (2 months-15 years). Fifty-one (82.2%) patients were younger than two years. The median hospital length of stay was found to be 10 days (2-33 days) in patients with an underlying disease and 7,5 days (ranging from 2 to 20 days) in the patients without an underlying disease, this difference was significant (p=0.031). Clinicians should consider hMPV as an important pathogen of LRTI even in healthy children, although we expect a poor course of disease in children with an underlying disease.

Surveillance for severe influenza and COVID-19 in patients admitted to sentinel Australian hospitals in 2020: the Influenza Complications Alert Network (FluCAN).

Influenza is a common cause of acute respiratory infection, and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infection that emerged as a pandemic worldwide before the start of the 2020 Australian influenza season. This report summarises the epidemiology of hospitalisations with laboratory-confirmed influenza and COVID-19 during the 2020 influenza season in a sentinel surveillance system. The Influenza Complications Alert Network (FluCAN) is a sentinel hospital-based surveillance program that operates at sites in all jurisdictions in Australia. Influenza and COVID-19 cases were defined as patients hospitalised at sentinel hospitals and confirmed by nucleic acid detection. There were 448 patients with COVID-19 admitted between 16 March and 31 December 2020, and only 20 patients with influenza admitted between 1 April and 30 November 2020, to one of 22 FluCAN hospitals. Of the COVID-19 cases, 173 (39%) were > 65 years of age, 36 (8%) were children (< 16 years), 6 (1%) were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, 4 (1%) were pregnant and 289 (65%) had chronic comorbidities. COVID-19 hospital admissions peaked between weeks 13 and 15 (first wave) nationally, and again between weeks 31 and 35 (Victoria), with most admissions represented by those above 40 years of age. There was an unusually low number of hospital admissions with laboratory-confirmed influenza in this season, compared to recent seasons. This is likely to be due to effective public health interventions and international border closures as a result of a rise in COVID-19 respiratory infections and associated hospitalisations.

Características clínicas de pacientes con infección por Mycoplasma pneumoniae

ObjectiveTo describe the characteristics of patients diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. MethodsA retrospective study of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of acute infections by M. pneumoniae confirmed by PCR was carried out in the Navarra Health Service (Spain) in 2014-2018. ResultsM. pneumoniae infection was confirmed in 9.5% of analyzed patients. Among 123 confirmed cases, 65% were 5-14 years old, 21.1% <5 years old, and 13.8% were ≥14 years old. Pneumonia was radiologically confirmed in 83.7% of cases, and 22.0% presented extra-respiratory manifestations. A total of 44.7% of cases required hospitalization. Bilateral pneumonia, asthmatic crisis and extra-respiratory manifestations were associated to higher risk of hospitalization (81.3, 72.2 and 66.7%, respectively). Microbiological targeted treatment was monotherapy with macrolides in 60.2% of cases and combined with other antibiotics in 13.0%. ConclusionM. pneumoniae was the cause of acute respiratory infection affecting mainly to children younger than 14 years old and frequently required hospitalization.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children with human parainfluenza virus associated acute respiratory infection in a general hospital in Sri Lanka

BackgroundHuman parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are one of the leading cause of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) in children. The prevalence and clinical presentation of HPIV infection in Sri Lankan children is not studied well, therefore the objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and clinical features of HPIV infections in children with ARI in General Hospital, Kegalle, Sri Lanka. MethodsNasopharyngeal aspirate samples (NPA) were collected from hospitalized children with ≤4 days history of ARIs and were tested for HPIV-1, HIPV-2 and HIPV-3 using Direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA). ResultsHPIV was detected in 9.4% (47/500) of the children with ARIs. Of this 5 (0.1%) children had HPIV-1 infection, 8 (1.6%) had HPIV-2 infection and 34 (6.8%) had HPIV-3 infection with a male to female ratio of 1.13: 1. Children infected with HPIV-1 and HPIV-3 had moderate bronchiolitis whereas HPIV-2, had mild bronchiolitis. Of the 34 HPIV-3 infected children, 11 had co-infection with human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and 2 had co-infection with influenza A and B, respectively. Two children had co-infection with HPIV-1 and HPIV-2. HPIV-3 circulated throughout the year, however, HPIV-2 circulated only in February and March 2017 in the study area during the study. ConclusionHPIV infections led to a wide range of symptoms in children and are prevalent throughout the year in the study area. HPIV-3 was the most prevalent HPIV type in the study sample and were associated with mild to moderate ARI in children less than 5 years of age.

Metabolic Reprogramming of Nasal Airway Epithelial Cells Following Infant Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a seasonal mucosal pathogen that infects the ciliated respiratory epithelium and results in the most severe morbidity in the first six months of life. RSV is a common cause of acute respiratory infection during infancy and is an important early-life risk factor strongly associated with asthma development. While this association has been repeatedly demonstrated, limited progress has been made on the mechanistic understanding in humans of the contribution of infant RSV infection to airway epithelial dysfunction. An active infection of epithelial cells with RSV in vitro results in heightened central metabolism and overall hypermetabolic state; however, little is known about whether natural infection with RSV in vivo results in lasting metabolic reprogramming of the airway epithelium in infancy. To address this gap, we performed functional metabolomics, 13C glucose metabolic flux analysis, and RNA-seq gene expression analysis of nasal airway epithelial cells (NAECs) sampled from infants between 2–3 years of age, with RSV infection or not during the first year of life. We found that RSV infection in infancy was associated with lasting epithelial metabolic reprogramming, which was characterized by (1) significant increase in glucose uptake and differential utilization of glucose by epithelium; (2) altered preferences for metabolism of several carbon and energy sources; and (3) significant sexual dimorphism in metabolic parameters, with RSV-induced metabolic changes most pronounced in male epithelium. In summary, our study supports the proposed phenomenon of metabolic reprogramming of epithelial cells associated with RSV infection in infancy and opens exciting new venues for pursuing mechanisms of RSV-induced epithelial barrier dysfunction in early life.

Depletion of TAX1BP1 Amplifies Innate Immune Responses during Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main cause of acute respiratory infections in young children and also has a major impact on the elderly and immunocompromised people. In the absence of a vaccine or efficient treatment, a better understanding of RSV interactions with the host antiviral response during infection is needed. Previous studies revealed that cytoplasmic inclusion bodies (IBs), where viral replication and transcription occur, could play a major role in the control of innate immunity during infection by recruiting cellular proteins involved in the host antiviral response. We recently showed that the morphogenesis of IBs relies on a liquid-liquid-phase separation mechanism depending on the interaction between viral nucleoprotein (N) and phosphoprotein (P). These scaffold proteins are expected to play a central role in the recruitment of cellular proteins to IBs. Here, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen using RSV N protein as bait and identified the cellular protein TAX1BP1 as a potential partner of this viral protein. This interaction was validated by pulldown and immunoprecipitation assays. We showed that TAX1BP1 suppression has only a limited impact on RSV infection in cell cultures. However, RSV replication is decreased in TAX1BP1-deficient (TAX1BP1 knockout [TAX1BP1KO]) mice, whereas the production of inflammatory and antiviral cytokines is enhanced. In vitro infection of wild-type or TAX1BP1KO alveolar macrophages confirmed that the innate immune response to RSV infection is enhanced in the absence of TAX1BP1. Altogether, our results suggest that RSV could hijack TAX1BP1 to restrain the host immune response during infection. IMPORTANCE Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract illness in infants, remains a medical problem in the absence of a vaccine or efficient treatment. This virus is also recognized as a main pathogen in the elderly and immunocompromised people, and the occurrence of coinfections (with other respiratory viruses and bacteria) amplifies the risks of developing respiratory distress. In this context, a better understanding of the pathogenesis associated with viral respiratory infections, which depends on both viral replication and the host immune response, is needed. The present study reveals that the cellular protein TAX1BP1, which interacts with the RSV nucleoprotein N, participates in the control of the innate immune response during RSV infection, suggesting that the N-TAX1BP1 interaction represents a new target for the development of antivirals.

Viral origin of wheeze in the under-five population in Pakistan

Background: One of the most common issues arising these days is wheezing that is observed in kids below five year of age accompanied with acute respiratory infections (ARIs). The main etiological causes of ARIs are viruses. Aim: To investigate the viral cause of wheezing in kids below five years of age who were hospitalized in hospital located in Pakistan. Methods: Forty candidates under 5 years of age were admitted complaining wheezing, in this case research. Nasal and throat swaps were taken. For screening purpose, real-time, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was employed in order to rule out rhinovirus, influenza 1 and 2, respiratory para influenza virus (PIV) 1, 2, 3 and 4, syncytial virus (RSV), human meta-pneumovirus, bocavirus (HBoV), Enterovirus Coronavirus, Parechovirus and adenovirus. Results: 30% was regarded as total viral detection rate. Candidates detected with pheumonina viral RNA markers were found from their samples (6 cases), episodic wheeze (1 cases) bronchiolitis (7 cases) and multitrigger wheeze (8 cases). It was discovered that RSV was the most common virus found (30%) which is then followed by PIV1, 2 and 3(18%), HBoV (8%) and rhinovirus (4%). Whereas mixed infection was found in case of in 32 per cent. Conclusions: According to the case research, respiratory viral agents was found to be the culprit in 30 per cent of kids suffering from wheezing; the most common RSV and PIV were responsible for 50 per cent of the total number of cases involved. In case of 30% of cases mixed infections were reported. There was also noteworthy Seasonal variation was noted. Moreover, Further research required to accomplished with a large samples and long duration follow up span in order to clarify results of research. Keywords: Asthma - bronchiolitis - child - incidence - PCR