The epidemiology and clinical characteristics of young children hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus infections in Guatemala (2007-2010).

BACKGROUND: There have been few population-based studies from Central America on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in young children. We report population-based incidence rates and describe epidemiological and clinical characteristics of children 12 months old still had rates up to 5.5 per 1000 per year and accounted for 42% of deaths. Children with RSV infections were more likely to have signs of respiratory distress (85% versus 63%, P < 0.001) compared with those without RSV infections, but case fatality ratios were similar (3-4%). CONCLUSIONS: The large burden and severity of RSV infections in young Guatemalan children is similar in magnitude and age distribution to RSV disease burdens found in other developing countries and suggests that this population would benefit from prevention strategies, including vaccines against RSV that are currently under development.