Prevention Of Acute Respiratory Infections Research Articles

The effectiveness of the use of the drug recombinant interferon alfa-2b for the prevention of acute respiratory infections in preschool children

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are the most common diseases of children, the main reasons for which are the age-related characteristics of the immune response, exacerbated by adverse perinatal factors, allergies, and increased contact with potential pathogens (the beginning of visits to preschool institutions, etc.).Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of the drug recombinant interferon α-2b to reduce the incidence of acute respiratory infections in preschool children.Throughout the year, there were 50 children under observation (average age 29.2 ± 0.97 months) attending preschool institutions. Recombinant interferon α-2b, ointment — VIFERON® 2500 IU 2 times a day for 14 days, in the next 4 weeks — 2500 IU 2 times a day 3 times a week was used for 25 children of the main group for the prevention of ARI in the pre-epidemic period.Results: The use of recombinant interferon α-2b in children of the main group showed a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of ARI, pneumonia, otitis, and the disappearance of pathological symptoms in the nasopharynx. An increase in the level of antiviral cytokines (IFN-α, p = 0.0088, IFN-γ, p = 0.0014) and a decrease in the concentration of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, p = 0.0072) were recorded. Carriage of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, Candida albicans decreased by 2 times. Decrease in titer of antibodies to Str. pyogenes (p = 0.0251), Str. pneumoniae (p = 0.0491), Branchamella catarrhalis (p = 0.0369), Haemophilus influenzae (p = 0.0251) indicates a decrease in the sensitization of the child's organism to microbial antigens.

Why do acute respiratory infections in children remain a pressing problem? Current, prevention and treatment options

Literary data on peculiarities of immune system, anti-infectious immunity, including local protection of respiratory tract (lymphaticepithelial pharyngeal system), in children of early and preschool age, causing their higher incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) are given in the article. This age period is characterized by «physiological» humoral immune deficiency, reduced activation of the complement system, insufficient synthesis of cytokines, including interferons, T-cell immunosuppression, impaired intercellular cooperation, poor functional activity of natural killers and phagocytes. Despite the large range of means and methods of prophylaxis of infectious and inflammatory diseases of viral and bacterial etiology, it is necessary to search for new approaches taking into account the peculiarities of immune status in young children. The article presents the possibilities of controlling the system of congenital and adaptive immunity with medications, in particular, by using the bacterial lysate Broncho-munal®. The immunoregulatory role of bacterial lysates is presented in detail. The pathogenetic substantiation of the use of bacterial lysate Broncho-munal® for the prevention of acute respiratory infections in children, including children with recurrent respiratory infections is given.

Vitamin D and Acute Respiratory Infections-The PODA Trial.

BackgroundThere is considerable heterogeneity in clinical trials examining the role of vitamin D in the prevention of acute respiratory infections (ARIs).MethodsThe primary aim of the Physical Performance, Osteoporosis, and Vitamin D in Older African-American Women (PODA) trial was the prevention of bone loss and decline in physical performance. A questionnaire about ARIs was administered every 3 months for 3 years to 260 black American women in a double-blind randomized clinical trial that had a placebo group and a vitamin D supplementation group. The serum 25(OH)D level was maintained >30 ng/mL in the vitamin D group.ResultsSerum 25(OH)D was maintained >30 ng/mL in 90% of the active group, whereas levels approximated those associated with the recommended dietary allowance (20 ng/mL) in the placebo group. There was no difference in occurrence of ARIs in the treatment group vs the placebo group. ARIs were not related to total or free 25(OH)D, which were measured at baseline and annually for 36 months.ConclusionsVitamin D supplementation sufficient to maintain serum 25(OH)D >30 ng/mL does not prevent ARIs in older African American women. ClinicalTrials.gov Registration NumberNCT01153568.

Knowledge of mother about the household environment againt acute respiratory infection in Padang Pasir: A literature study

Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) is one cause of death in infants and toddlers. The incidence of ARI at West Sumatera in 2016 was 154, 962 cases and increased by 2017 as many as 169, 031 cases. The highest incidence of ARI was found in Padang Pasir for age <1 year 568 people and age 1-4 years 1648 people. The high number of ARI cases in children under five is due to lack of knowledge of the mother about the household environment to prevent ARI of toddlers. Sample was 86 mothers. The study was conducted by literature study technique. The result showed that 30, 2% mother knowledge about ARI still low. Activities to improve knowledge of mother toddlers need to be intensified again by way of counseling about the prevention of ARI through Posyandu cadres and health personnel so as to reduce the incidence of ARI.

Physiological care for the mucosa of the nose: prevention of ARVI

The article highlights the role and place of elimination and irrigation therapy in the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory infections in children. Increasing emphasis is being placed on the effectiveness of the combined elimination drug containing trace nutrients and benzalkonium chloride antiseptic (Renorin).

Burden of Acute Respiratory Infections Among Under-Five Children in Relation to Household Wealth and Socioeconomic Status in Bangladesh.

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs), as a group of diseases and symptoms, are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in tropical countries like Bangladesh. Currently, no clear evidence has been published on the prevalence and socioeconomic correlates of ARIs in Bangladesh. In this regard, we carried out this study with the aim of assessing the prevalence and the socioeconomic predictors of ARIs among children aged 0–59 months, with a special focus on socioeconomic status and wealth-related indicators. Cross-sectional data on 32,998 mother-child (singleton) pairs were collected from six rounds of Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS 1997–2014). The outcome variable were presence of the common symptoms of ARIs, fever and dyspnea, during the previous two weeks, which were measured based on mothers’ reports about the symptoms of these conditions. Explanatory variables included maternal demographic and socioeconomic factors such as age, education, occupation, wealth quintile, and child’s age and sex. The prevalence and predictors of ARIs were measured using descriptive and multivariate regression methods. The prevalence of both fever (31.00% in 1997 vs. 36.76% in 2014) and dyspnea (39.27% in 1997 vs. 43.27% in 2014) has increased gradually since 1997, and tended to be higher in households in the lower wealth quintiles. Multivariable analysis revealed that higher maternal educational status, access to improved water and sanitation facilities, and living in households in higher wealth quintiles had protective effects against both fever and dyspnea. Findings suggested a significantly negative association between lacking access to improved water and sanitation and use of biomass fuel with ARI symptoms. However, no sex difference was observed in these associations. Based on the findings, childhood ARI prevention strategies should address the risk factors stemming from parental socioeconomic marginalisation, household water and sanitation poverty, and use of unclean fuel.

Community's compliance with measures for the prevention of respiratory infections in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND:Acute respiratory tract infections are the most common causes of both morbidity and mortality worldwid, and the management and prevention of acute respiratory infections is a global problem, especially in developing countries. This study sought to assess the community's compliance and practice of measures for the prevention of respiratory infections and discover their source of health information.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A cross-sectional study was carried out in the five biggest shopping malls in Riyadh city in July 2014. The required sample size was 980 persons aged 15 or older, with 196 from each of the five biggest shopping malls from each of the five geographic areas of Riyadh. Data was collected by face-to-face interview using standardised questionnaire, and analyzed using SPSS.RESULTS:Overall, 48.3% of the participants thought that they were susceptible to any of the respiratory infections of pandemic influenza; 59.7% always washed their hands with water and soap and 34.8% used antibacterial soap. About 29% reported avoiding touching their eyes, noses, and mouths directly with their hands; 63.5% covered their noses and mouths with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. A substantial number said they “never” shared their personal stuff, including towels (70.5%) and utensils (49.0%) with others. Only 21.2% avoided crowded places or wore a mask (9.1%) in such a situation. A high proportion (62.8%) did not take the seasonal flu vaccine. The most common sources of health information included television/radio (47.9%), social media (29.4%), and friends/family (28.1%).CONCLUSIONS:Health authorities should seize every opportunity to prevent respiratory infections by adopting all evidence-based infection control measures to improve public awareness, attitude, and practice.

Эффективность ароматерапии в лечении и профилактике острых респираторных инфекций у детей

Эффективность ароматерапии в лечении и профилактике острых респираторных инфекций у детей

Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency and Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Prevention of Acute Respiratory Infections: A Non Randomized Open Label Study

Background: Routine zinc supplementation is a potential intervention for the prevention of acute lower respiratory infections in developing countries. However discrepant findings from recent randomized trials remain unexplained. Methods: Single centre, single arm, prospective non-randomized, open label interventional study, of effect of zinc supplementation in zinc deficient children aged 6 months to 5 years. 465 healthy children aged 6 months to 5 years were enrolled in the study. The primary outcome was the prevalence of serum zinc deficiency. Children having zinc deficiency were recruited for the study of effect of oral administration of zinc 20 mg for 2 weeks. The secondary outcomes were incidence and duration of acute upper respiratory and acute lower respiratory infections per child-year and side effects after giving zinc therapy. Results: There was significant difference in mid arm circumference in between zinc deficient and non-zinc deficient groups (p < 0.001). Also the number of episodes of acute upper respiratory infections (AURI) and mean duration of AURI and acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) was significantly different in the two groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in ALRI episodes in two groups. After zinc supplementation in zinc deficient children, there was significant decrease in the number of episodes and mean duration of AURI (p < 0.001) and ALRI (p < 0.001) in six months after supplementation as compared to preceding six months before supplementation. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the efficacy of short course prophylactic zinc supplementation in reducing the burden of ARI among zinc deficient children. Future studies should assess the effectiveness of delivering prophylactic zinc supplementation at scale, comparing the feasibility and cost benefit of short course and continuous regimens. Clinical Trial Number: As it was a Non Randomized observational single arm study, study was not registered. Only RCT needs to be registered. Funding Statement: This study was funded by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Manuscript Jodhpur, India, as a part of Intramural project conducted in the department of Pediatrics, AIIMS Jodhpur. Declaration of Interests: We declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by Institutional Ethics committee of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India. The study was conducted in accordance with ICH-GCP and other applicable regulatory guidelines.

Innovations in the treatment of arvi in children

The authors presented an analytical review of domestic and foreign literature on the clinical efficacy and safety of release-active drug in the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory infections in children.

How to help a child come through the ARI season

In this article, the authors discussed the issues in the management of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in the coming season. Modern therapy was considered from the perspective of its expediency and effectiveness. The authors substantiated and proposed a new approach to the treatment and prevention of complications of ARI. They also reviewed the international and domestic experience in using preparations of natural origin in practical medicine. The authors shared their own clinical experience in preparing the ARI prevention and treatment programs.

Actual aspects of use of ergoferon in outpatient polyclinic practice

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) and influenza are referred to the most common diseases among children and adults. Despite a wide choice of medications for this pathology, we still need ones that combine a multipurpose antiviral activity, have proven effectiveness and safety and enable application in patients from risk groups, including allergic diseases. The pharmacological activity of a release-active drug Ergoferon is determined by the complex action of its components on antiviral immune response and virus-induced inflammation in the respiratory tract. Each component at the same time has its own target modulating action, which is a distinctive property of release-active antibodies forms. The article presents an overview of Russian and foreign publications, summarizing the results of preclinical and clinical studies effectiveness and safety of the Ergoferon use for treatment and prevention of acute respiratory infections and influenza in patients of different age groups.

Effectiveness of the probiotic B. bifidum 1 for the prevention of recurrent respiratory infections in children of 7–11 years old with functional and chronic disorders of gastrointestinal tract

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a significant public health problem worldwide due to their high incidence and lack of specific prevention for most of them. Previous systematic reviews have demonstrated the possibility to use probiotics to prevent ARI in children. The prophylactic efficacy of the B. bifidum 1 strain in patients with recurrent ARI has not been investigated specifically against the background of concomitant gastrointestinal disorders, which may affect the effectiveness of probiotic therapy. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the sorbed probiotic B. bifidum 1 for prevention of ARI in children of 7 to 11 years of age with functional intestinal disorders or gastritis / gastroduodenitis. Materials and methods : This prospective, randomized, open-label study was completed by 44 children divided into two parallel groups: with and without administration of the sorbed B. bifidum 1 at 5 × 10 7 CFU three times daily for 21 days as a component of a comprehensive sanatorium treatment for recurrent ARI. The children were followed up for three months after the end of the treatment in a winter season, with assessment of frequency, severity and duration of ARI episodes. Results: The use of B. bifidum 1 in children of 7–11 years old with functional and chronic gastrointestinal disorders reduced the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (relative risk reduction 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.15–0.68) and mean duration of respiratory diseases by 2.26 days (95% confidence interval 0.23–4.27). It also reduced fever, frequency of cases with cough and the need in antibiotic therapy. The efficacy was related mainly to a decrease in the number of children with more than one ARI episode during the three months of the winter season. Conclusion: The results of probiotics use should be evaluated with consideration of underlying disease, which can more clearly indicate the size of their effect. The use of probiotics for prevention of infectious diseases, including respiratory infections, in children with functional and chronic gastrointestinal disorders can be promising in reduction of the overall morbidity and requires further studies.

Cochrane acute respiratory infections group's stakeholder engagement project identified systematic review priority areas

ObjectiveCochrane acute respiratory infections (ARIs) group conducts systematic reviews of the evidence for treatment and prevention of ARIs. We report the results of a prioritization project, aiming to identify highest priority systematic review topics. Study Design/SettingThe project consisted of two phases. Phase 1 analyzed the gap between existing randomized controlled trials and Cochrane systematic reviews (reported previously). Phase 2 (reported here) consisted of a two-round survey. In round 1, respondents prioritized 68 topics and suggested up to 10 additional topics; in round 2, respondents prioritized top 25 topics from round 1. ResultsRespondents included clinicians, researchers, systematic reviewers, allied health, patients, and carers, from 33 different countries. In round 1, 154 respondents identified 20 priority topics, most commonly selecting topics in nonspecific ARIs, influenza, and common cold. Fifty respondents also collectively suggested 134 additional topics. In round 2, 78 respondents prioritized top 25 topics, most commonly in the areas of nonspecific ARIs, pneumonia, and influenza. ConclusionWe generated a list of priority systematic review topics to guide the Cochrane ARI group's systematic review work for the next 24 months. Stakeholder involvement enhanced the transparency of the process and will increase the usability and relevance of the group's work to stakeholders.

Application of probiotics for acute respiratory tract infections

We have reviewed the currently published results on a role of the gut microflora in a prevention of acute respiratory infections. The main biological properties of probiotic bacteria are presented in a context of their modulating activity on an inflammatory immune response. Available data on the reduction of a possible risk, duration, and severity of respiratory infection symptoms during a probiotic medication intake were analyzed. Potential antiviral probiotic mechanisms have been reviewed and discussed.

Viral etiologies and epidemiology of patients with acute respiratory infections based on sentinel hospitals in Gansu Province, Northwest China, 2011-2015.

Understanding etiological role and epidemiological profile is needed to improve clinical management and prevention of acute respiratory infections (ARIs). A 5‐year prospective study about active surveillance for outpatients and inpatients with ARIs was conducted in Gansu province, China, from January 2011 to November 2015. Respiratory specimens were collected from patients and tested for eight respiratory viruses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). In this study, 2768 eligible patients with median age of 43 years were enrolled including pneumonia (1368, 49.2%), bronchitis (435, 15.7%), upper respiratory tract infection or URTI (250, 9.0%), and unclassified ARI (715, 25.8%). Overall, 29.2% (808/2768) were positive for any one of eight viruses, of whom 130 cases were identified with two or more viruses. Human rhinovirus (HRV) showed the highest detection rate (8.6%), followed by influenza virus (Flu, 7.3%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 6.1%), human coronavirus (hCoV, 4.3%), human parainfluenza (PIV, 4.0%), adenovirus (ADV, 2.1%), human metapneumovirus (hMPV, 1.6%), and human bocavirus (hBoV, 0.7%). Compared with URTI, RSV was more likely identified in pneumonia (χ2 = 12.720, P < 0.001) and hCoV was more commonly associated with bronchitis than pneumonia (χ2 = 15.019, P < 0.001). In patients aged less than 5 years, RSV showed the highest detection rate and hCoV was the most frequent virus detected in adults and elderly. The clear epidemical seasons were observed in HRV, Flu, and hCoV infections. These findings could serve as a reference for local health authorities in drawing up further plans to prevent and control ARIs associated with viral etiologies.

Child to parent education in prevention of acute respiratory in-fections in rural school under rural health training center

Introduction: Acute Respiratory illness in developing countries is one of the major cause of mortality and mor-bidity among under five children with more than 7 million deaths every year worldwide. Most prevalent ill-nesses of childhood include acute respiratory tract infections, malnutrition and diarrhoeal diseases in the middle and low-income countries. Aim: Aim of the study is to find out the change in level of knowledge, attitude and practice of parents after receiving health education from their school going children. Methods: A government aided higher secondary school from rural health training center of KIMS Karad was selected with the permis-sion of headmaster of school for the study. From the school 9th standard and their mothers were study popula-tions which were selected by applying above exclusion criteria. A pre-structured and pretested questionnaire was used to get the information regarding definition, causes, signs, symptoms, treatment, prevention respiratory infections etc. Intervention is carried to with posttest of both students and mothers. Results: Poor and average KAP regarding Acute Respiratory Infections among children had significantly increased to Good after giving Health Education and demonstration to study group children compared to control group to whom these sessions were not conducted. Even KAP of mothers of children for whom sessions were conducted had increased significantly, from poor to good, in comparison with mothers of children for whom sessions were not conducted. Conclusion: A appropriate and holistic health education on the causation, symptoms, signs, its prevention can help in early identification of the ante respiratory diseases and hence health seeking behavior. Hence children especially the school going children can be used as an effective tool to transmit health education among the families and communities.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Mothers on Acute Respiratory Infection in Children under Five Years in Saudi Arabia, 2017

Background: management and prevention of acute respiratory infections (ARI) is a worldwide problem especially in developing countries. Mothers are the caregivers of their children and thus their knowledge could be used as preventive measure for the disease. Objectives: assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of Saudi mothers toward ARI in children less than five years old in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: the study included 733 mothers admitted to a random sample of PHC from different districts of KSA. The mothers were interviewed and asked to fill up a predesigned questionnaire during the period from February 2017 to June 2017. The questionnaire comprised of 4 parts including the mothers’ demographics and KAP. Results: the mean age of mothers was 41.3 years old and the duration of marriage was from 10-20 years in most of mothers (41.9%). The majority of participants had college degree (53.9%) and 44% of subjects were working mothers. Most of subjects had good knowledge about that ARI is a disease of both upper and lower respiratory infection, pneumonia as a complication of ARI, the overuse of antibiotic and bacterial resistance and cough being the most common symptom of ARI. Poor knowledge was related to the use of antibiotics and consulting a physician if children had ARI. The knowledge score of mothers was good in 46% of subjects and 54% have insufficient knowledge. The attitude and practice of mothers was poor among more than half of the participants.Conclusion: most of Saudi mothers had inadequate, knowledge, attitude and practice toward ARI. The better understanding and sufficient knowledge was significantly correlated with young ages, short duration of marriage and higher education.

Prevalence of acute respiratory infections among children under five years of age attending rural health training centre of Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital

Background: Every year ARI in young children is responsible for an estimated 3.9 million deaths worldwide. About 90 percent deaths are due to Pneumonia which is usually bacterial in origin. By low-cost interventions such as hand washing, breast feeding, accessibility of rapid and attainable methods of early diagnosis of ARI, can help to reduce its burden. Improving the primary medical care services and developing better methods for early detection, treatment and where possible, prevention of acute respiratory infection is the best strategy to control ARI. The aim of the study was to estimate prevalence of ARI among children under-5 years of age attending Rural Health Training Centre of Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital.Methods: The present study was carried out from Nov.2015 to April 2016 covering 305 children below 5 years from RHTC of Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital. Children with acute respiratory infection (ARI) having symptoms like cough, running nose, sore throat, nasal congestion or breathing difficulty were included in the study.Results: Out of 305 children under 5 years, 43 (14%) were diagnosed with ARI. The overall prevalence of ARI was 14% with 95%CI (10.20-18.0). According to social class, prevalence of ARI was higher in low socioeconomic class 42.96%.Statistically no significance between social class and prevalence of ARI was seen with Chi sq test: 0.879, t= 0.928.Overcrowding were present in 33% of cases with 95% CI (17.2-48.80). Inadequate ventilation 48% with 95% CI (31.21-64.79), and uses of smoky chullah 49% with 95% CI (31.21-64.79). Prevalence of ARI was more prevalent in children with malnutrition 52.9%. Statistically high association was seen between ARI status and nutritional status, with Chi squre test:18.3, t≤0.001.Conclusions: The study concludes that malnutrition, low socioeconomic status, poor nutritional status, maternal illiteracy, overcrowding, and inadequate ventilation were the major social and demographic risk factors responsible for ARI in under five children. Minimizing these risk factors and by cost effective interventions one can significantly reduce the prevalence of ARI in the rural community.

Pemanfaatan Minyak Kayu Putih (Melaleuca leucadendra Linn) sebagai Alternatif Pencegahan Kasus Infeksi Saluran Pernafasan Akut di Pulau Buru

The Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) is a disease which commonly infects children. Based on Indonesian basic health research 2013, the national and Buru Island's period prevalence of ARIs were 25% and 24,8%. The other side, cajuput oil has been traditionally used to reduce respiratory tract disorders and infections. This research used the ethnographic approach with observation participation and direct communication to collected the data. The results showed a high number in ARIs cases in Buru Island area were affected by many factors, some of them are the lack of Clean and Healthy Behaviour (PHBS) and had a little faith in health services, especially for people who live in the mountain area. It was because of minimum intervention from public health services. This research showed the Cajuput oil was potentially used as an alternative prevention of ARIs in Buru Island by inhalation method. The main content of Melaleuca leucadendra Linn had a benefit to be the mucolytics, bronchodilator, anti-inflammation and antitussive .