Acute respiratory infections in children caused by adenoviruses and parainfluenza viruses

Abstract

All around the globe, acute respiratory infections in children and adults are often caused by parainfl uenza viruses and adenoviruses. The aim of this study was to analyze epidemiological characteristics of acute respiratory infections in children caused by adenoviruses and parainfl uenza viruses in Zagreb and Zagreb County. The study included inpatients aged up to 10 years from Zagreb and Zagreb County suff ering from acute respiratory infections, treated during the period from November 14, 2008 to November 14, 2010. Nasopharyngeal secretion was obtained from each study patient. The viruses were detected by direct immunofl uorescence. The study comprised 528/2403 (21.97%) children with acute respiratory infections who were positive for adenoviruses or parainfl uenza viruses (adenoviruses in 448/2403 (18.64%) and parainfl uenza viruses in 80/2403 (3.33%) cases). Among positive cases, 306/528 (58%) were male and 222/528 (42%) female, yielding a male to female ratio 1:0.73. Adenoviruses were proved in 448/528 (85%) and parainfl uenza viruses in 80/528 (15%) patients. The number of cases of adenoviruses or parainfl uenza viruses infection signifi cantly increased at the age over 12 months and gradually decreased after the age of 2 years. The prevalence of adenoviruses and parainfl uenza viruses infection was highest in children aged 1-2 years. Adenoviral infections appeared throughout the year, with a peak in spring (especially in March). The most common clinical presentation of adenoviruses and parainfl uenza viruses infections in childhood was upper respiratory tract infection followed by pneumonia, bronchiolitis, bronchitis and croup. The results of the study showed that adenoviruses infections were more frequent than those caused by parainfl uenza viruses and that both viruses were important causes of upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia in children aged 1-5 years.