Investigating The Frequency and Clinical Features of RSV Infection Among Infants Diagnosed as Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Objective: In this study we aimed to investigate the frequency and clinical features of RSV infection among infants with diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection. Methods: The study was conducted between July 2008 and June 2010. 208 children under 2 years old with lower respiratory tract infection were included in the study . Their epidemiological and clinical features were analyzed, and the presence of RSV antigen was investigated by examining nasopharengeal swabs of the patients obtained with RSV test indicator sticks sold with Respi-Strip kit. Results: RSV infection was detected in 5.2 % of the patients All RSV positive children had been seen in January, Febuary and March. During these months, the frequency of RSV positivity was 22.4 % among the patients with lower respiratory tract infection. RSV positive children were significantly younger than RSV negative subjects. There was no significant difference between RSV positive and RSV negative children with respect to the clinical signs and symptoms. Although none of the RSV positive patients were treated with antibiotics, 12 % of the RSV negative patients were under antibiotic treatment. There were no significant difference between two groups as for oxygen, bronchodilator, corticosteroid and mechanical ventilation support. Conclusion: In this study RSV was determined as a major agent among the patients with lower respiratory infection during the period between January and March. That is why we conceive that palivizumab prophylaxis should be restricted to the risky infants in our region only during these months.