Viral etiology of respiratory infections in children under 2 years old in Blida, Algeria

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children especially in developing countries. Viruses are known as the predominant causative agents of ARI. In Algeria, few data concerning these agents are available. The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of 10 viruses in children under 2 years old admitted with ARI and to study demographic and clinical differences among different virus. METHODS: Children were prospectively enrolled between December 2010 and April 2011. A standardized questionnaire was used and a nose swab sample was collected. These samples were tested for the detection of RSV, Influenza virus (A/B),hRhinovirus,hMetapneumovirus,hCoronavirus,Adenovirus, Parainfluenza 1-3 by RT-PCR. Demographic,clinical and laboratory data were obtained. Outcome measurements were age,breastfeeding history,clinical severity score,chest radiological findings. RESULTS: 117 children,median age 3 months,were recruited.A virus was detected in 82,9 % of cases.The most frequently detected viruses were RSV(48 %),hRhinovirus (23 %),hMetapneumovirus(22 %),Adenovirus(7,5%),Influenzea (5 %), parainfluenza 3 (2,5 %). Co-infections were detected in 25 children (21,4 %). Clinical features associated with RSV infection were similar to those of other respiratory viruses.Presenting symptoms between the RSV positive and RSV negative groups were similar. CONCLUSION: This study underlines the importance of viral pathogens in ARI hospitalized children