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J Med Virol
. 2021 Apr 8.
doi: 10.1002/jmv.27004. Online ahead of print.
Epidemiology of acute respiratory viral infections in children in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
Chantal J Snoeck 1 , Konstantin Evdokimov 1 , Kinnaly Xaydalasouk 2 , Sodaly Mong Khoune 3 , Aur?lie Sausy 1 , Keoudomphone Vilivong 2 , Maude Pauly 1 , Judith M H?bschen 1 , Somxay Billamay 3 , Claude P Muller 1 , Antony P Black 2
Affiliations
- PMID: 33830514
- DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27004
Abstract
Respiratory infections are one of the most frequent reasons for medical consultations in children. In low resource settings such as in Lao PDR, knowledge gaps and the dearth of laboratory capacity to support differential diagnosis may contribute to antibiotic overuse. We studied the etiology, temporal trends and genetic diversity of viral respiratory infections in children to provide evidence for prevention and treatment guidelines. From September 2014 to October 2015, throat swabs and nasopharyngeal aspirates from 445 children under 10 years old with symptoms of acute respiratory infection were collected at the Children Hospital in Vientiane. Rapid antigen tests were performed for influenza A and B and respiratory syncytial virus. Real Time (RT-) PCRs were performed to detect 16 viruses. Influenza infections were detected more efficiently with a higher sensitivity using PCR than with the rapid antigen test. By (RT-)PCR screening, at least one pathogen could be identified for 71.7% of cases. Human rhinoviruses were most frequently detected (29.9%), followed by influenza A and B viruses combined (15.9%). We identify and discuss seasonality of some of the infections. Altogether these data provide a detailed characterization of respiratory pathogens in Lao children and we provide recommendations for vaccination and further studies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Lao PDR; acute respiratory infections; children; human metapneumovirus; influenza virus; respiratory syncytial virus.