Epidemiology and aetiology of acute bronchiolitis in Hong Kong infants.

The epidemiological, clinical and virological features of 1220 children with acute bronchiolitis admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, from 1985 to 1988 are reported. They accounted for 6.6% of total paediatric admissions and provided a case incidence of bronchiolitis requiring admission to hospital of approximately 21 per 1000 children 0-24 months of age. The clinical course and outcome was in general benign. The average hospital stay was 5 days and there were no deaths. Ten per cent of patients were repeatedly admitted to hospital with recurrent wheezing after discharge. Two infants developed bronchiolitis obliterans. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was shown by direct immunofluorescence, virus culture and serology to be the commonest cause of acute bronchiolitis in Hong Kong. Other aetiological agents included parainfluenza and influenza viruses, adenoviruses, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. In contrast to western countries, a seasonal variation of bronchiolitis was found with a peak incidence in the summer months. The significance of these observations is discussed.     

Human metapneumovirus infections in hospitalized children

We evaluated the percentage of hospitalizations for acute respiratory tract infections in children < or =3 years of age attributable to human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and other respiratory viruses in a prospective study during winter and spring 2002. We used real-time polymerase chain assays and other conventional diagnostic methods to detect HMPV, human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), and influenza viruses in nasopharyngeal aspirates of children. HMPV was detected in 12 (6%) of the 208 children hospitalized for acute respiratory tract infections, HRSV in 118 (57%), and influenza A in 49 (24%). Bronchiolitis was diagnosed in 8 (68%) and pneumonitis in 2 (17%) of HMPV-infected children; of those with HRSV infection, bronchiolitiss was diagnosed in 99 (84%) and pneumonitis in 30 (25%). None of the HMPV-infected children was admitted to an intensive-care unit, whereas 15% of those with HRSV or influenza A infections were admitted. HMPV is an important cause of illness in young children with a similar, although less severe, clinical presentation to that of HRSV.     

Hospitalization rates for human metapneumovirus infection among 0- to 3-year-olds in Gipuzkoa (Basque Country), Spain

Numerous studies have been published on human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, but few have been population based. The main aim of this study was to estimate the incidence rate of hospitalization for community-acquired HMPV infection in infants and children aged <3 years. Between July 2004 and June 2007, 796 episodes (742 patients) of community-acquired acute respiratory infection were hospitalized. HMPV was detected in 90 episodes (11.3%). Fifty-nine episodes occurred in infants aged <1 year. The mean length of hospital stay was 6.2 days (range 2-31 days). Thirteen children required admission to the intensive care unit. Viral co-infections were detected in 46 episodes (51.1%). The incidence rate of hospitalization per 1000 inhabitants was 2.6 (95% CI 2.1-3.2), lower than that for respiratory syncytial virus, but higher than that observed for the influenza and parainfluenza viruses. HMPV is a major respiratory pathogen that leads to a high hospitalization rate.     

Human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus, Brazil

We describe the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of 111 children attending clinics and hospitals in Aracaju, northeast Brazil, with acute respiratory infections attributable to human metapneumovirus (HMPV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or both in May and June 2002. Fifty-three (48%) children were infected with RSV alone, 19 (17%) with HMPV alone, and 8 (7%) had RSV/HMPV co-infections.     

苏州地区急性呼吸道感染住院患儿病毒感染状况分析

目的 了解苏州地区儿童急性呼吸道感染(acute respiratory infection,ARI)的病毒病原情况,指导临床进行诊断与治疗.方法 对苏州大学附属儿童医院2005年11月-2007年5月间住院的2492例ARI患儿采用无菌负压吸引法采集新鲜痰液,采用直接免疫荧光法检测7种病毒,即呼吸道合胞病毒(respirations syncytial virus,RSV),腺病毒(adenovirus,ADV),流感病毒A、B型(influenza virus-A,Inf-A;influenza virus-B,Inf-B),副流感病毒1、2、3型(parainfluenze viru-1,Pinf-1;parainfluenze viru-2,Pinf-2;parainfluenze viru-3,Pinf-3).同时用逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法进行人偏肺病毒(human metapneumovirus,hMPV)检测.结果 送检标本2492例,总病毒阳性率38.6%(961/2492),总阳性检出率与年龄、季节及病种有关[年龄:各年龄组总病毒检出阳性率分别为:50.0%(412/824),43.4%(190/438),30.5%(207/679)和27.6%(152/551),x~2=96.5002,P<0.01;季节:春夏秋冬四季总病毒检出阳性率分别为:46.7%(366/784),13.8%(66/478),13.8%(59/428)和58.6%(470/802),x~2=392.3279,P<0.01;病种:各种临床疾病(上呼吸道感染、急性喉炎、喉-气管-支气管炎、支气管肺炎、大叶性肺炎、毛细支气管炎、支气管哮喘)总病毒检出阳性率分别为:21.4%(30/140),73.7%(14/19),32.0%(8/25),36.9%(598/1620),13.1%(8/61),66.1%(216/327)和29.0%(87/300),x~2=162.1276,P<0.01],与性别无关[男女总病毒阳性率分别为:39.0%(588/1508)和37.9%(373/984),x~2=0.2962,P>0.05],其次为hMPV 20.6%(198/961).RSV流行高峰主要集中在12-3月份,以毛细支气管炎感染率50.2%(164/327)最高,hMPV全年均可检出,冬季检出率13.2%(106/802)最高.结论 RSV和hMPV是苏州地区ARI患儿的主要病毒病原,通过检测儿童呼吸道感染疾病的病毒病原,可对临床提供快速、准确的诊断依据,防止滥用抗生素.     

Molecular epidemiology of human respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus in hospitalized children with acute respiratory infections in Croatia, 2014–2017

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is the most common infection in children under 5 years of age and it is frequently caused by two pneumoviruses, human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Epidemic seasons of these viruses overlap and disease manifestations are highly similar, including severe lower ARI such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Reinfections with pneumoviruses are frequent and limited prevention treatment is available. Genetic diversity of HRSV and HMPV strains circulating in Croatia was monitored during four consecutive years (2014–2017). Co-circulation of multiple lineages was observed for both viruses. Within HRSV group A, ON1 strains gained strong predominance during the 4-year period, while previously dominant genotype NA1 was detected only sporadically. Similarly, newly occurring HMPV genotype A2c gained predominance over genotype A2b during this period, resulting in all infection in 2017 being caused by A2c. Along with phylogenetic analysis based on the commonly used fragments for detection and genotyping of these viruses, full length G and SH genes were also analysed. Evolutionary dynamics showed that inferred substitution rates of HRSV and HMPV are between 2.51 × 10⁻³ and 3.61 × 10⁻³ substitutions/site/year. This study established presence of recently described HMPV strains containing large duplications in the G gene in Croatia. Viruses with either of the two duplications belong to a subcluster A2c, which has completely replaced all other group A subclusters in 2017.     

6810例儿童呼吸道感染病毒病原学回顾性分析

目的 了解海安市儿童呼吸道病毒病原学特征.方法 回顾性分析南通大学附属海安医院2018年1月至2020年5月急性呼吸道感染6810例患儿临床资料,采用直接免疫荧光法检测7种常见呼吸道病毒抗原.结果 ①6810例送检标本中957例为阳性,总阳性率为14.05％.其中呼吸道合胞病毒(RSV)阳性例数最多,为524例(54....     

Effects of Nonpharmaceutical COVID-19 Interventions on Pediatric Hospitalizations for Other Respiratory Virus Infections,Hong Kong

To determine the effects of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) for coronavirus disease on pediatric hospitalizations for infection with respiratory viruses other than severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, we analyzed hospital data for 2017–2021. Compared with 2017–2019, age-specific hospitalization rates associated with respiratory viruses greatly decreased in 2020, when NPIs were in place. Also when NPIs were in place, rates of hospitalization decreased among children of all ages for infection with influenza A and B viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses, human metapneumovirus, and rhinovirus/enterovirus. Regression models adjusted for age and seasonality indicated that hospitalization rates for acute febrile illness/respiratory symptoms of any cause were reduced by 76% and by 85%–99% for hospitalization for infection with these viruses. NPIs in Hong Kong were clearly associated with reduced pediatric hospitalizations for respiratory viruses; implementing NPIs and reopening schools were associated with only a small increase in hospitalizations for rhinovirus/enterovirus infections.     

免疫荧光法研究桐乡地区婴幼儿呼吸道偏肺病毒感染

目的研究桐乡地区婴幼儿急性呼吸道感染患者中偏肺病毒(hMPV)感染及临床意义。方法采用免疫荧光法,对2008年8月-2009年7月收集的431例急性呼吸道感染婴幼儿的呼吸道分泌物标本进行hMPV抗原检测;同时检测呼吸道合胞病毒(RSV)等其他常见呼吸道病毒的感染情况。结果 431份标本中检测到hMPV阳性68例,阳性率为15.78%;68例中临床诊断为肺炎者38例,占55.88%。结论 hMPV为桐乡地区婴幼儿急性呼吸道感染的重要病原体,冬季高发,春秋两季发病率也较高;hMPV感染易发展为肺炎等较重病症,在临床上应引起高度重视。     

Emerging Human Metapneumovirus Gene Duplication Variants in Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection,China, 2017–2019

We detected human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in 72 (7.1%) of 1,021 patients hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infection in Luohe, China, during 2017–2019. We detected HMPV most frequently in young children and less often in adults. HMPV genotype A2c variants 111 nt and 180 nt duplications predominated, demonstrating their continuing geographic spread.     

Respiratory picornaviruses and respiratory syncytial virus as causative agents of acute expiratory wheezing in children

We studied the viral etiology of acute expiratory wheezing (bronchiolitis, acute asthma) in 293 hospitalized children in a 2-year prospective study in Finland. A potential causative viral agent was detected in 88% of the cases. Eleven different viruses were represented. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (27%), enteroviruses (25%), rhinovirus (24%), and nontypable rhino/enterovirus (16%) were found most frequently. In infants, RSV was found in 54% and respiratory picornaviruses (rhinovirus and enteroviruses) in 42% of the cases. In older children, respiratory picornaviruses dominated (65% of children ages 1-2 years and 82% of children ages > or =3 years). Human metapneumovirus was detected in 4% of all children and in 11% of infants. To prevent and treat acute expiratory wheezing illnesses in children, efforts should be focused on RSV, enterovirus, and rhinovirus infections.     

Ten years of viral and non-bacterial serology in adults with cystic fibrosis

Viral infections are associated with pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis (CF), but few studies have addressed the frequency in adults. This paper investigates the frequency and impact of viral infections in adults with CF receiving intravenous antibiotics. Pre- and post-treatment spirometry, inflammatory markers and antibody titres against influenza A, influenza B, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, and Coxiella burnetti were analysed over a 10-year period. Non-bacterial infections were identified in 5.1% of 3156 courses of treatment. The annual incidence of admissions per patient associated with viral infection was 4.9%. The presence of viral infection in association with a pulmonary exacerbation did not adversely affect lung function or inflammatory markers in the short term. Adults with CF have a lower incidence of respiratory viral infections associated with pulmonary exacerbations requiring intravenous antibiotics compared to children and infants with CF.     

2008年长春地区小儿急性呼吸道感染状况与疾病负担的研究

目的:了解2008年长春地区小儿急性呼吸道感染发病情况与疾病负担,为控制小儿急性呼吸道感染提供依据。方法:以2008年长春市儿童医院住院的急性呼吸道感染患儿为研究对象,用荧光定量PCR方法进行肺炎支原体检测,对患儿临床资料进行流行病学分析。结果:2008年长春地区小儿急性呼吸道感染发病率为33.67%(4 923/14 620),其中临床诊断急性上呼吸道感染(包括鼻炎、咽炎、扁桃体炎、喉炎)为14.08%(693/4 923)、急性支气管炎为4.12%(203/4 923)、急性毛细支气管炎为1.95%(96/4 923)、支气管肺炎为76.88%(3 785/4 923)、大叶性肺炎1.14%(56/4 923)、肺炎支原体肺炎1.83%(90/4 923);患儿年龄均值为(28.59±20.32)月龄;发病人数1月份最多,5月份开始下降,10月份再次增多;平均住院天数为7天,平均每个患儿住院医疗费用3 275.15元,总耗资约1 912万元,1例因急性呼吸道感染死亡。结论:长春地区小儿急性呼吸道感染住院人数多、耗资大,控制小儿急性呼吸道感染是对社会和家庭的挑战也是儿科医务工作者的当务之急。     

北京地区2004-2006年婴幼儿急性呼吸道感染中人偏肺病毒感染的研究

目的了解北京地区急性呼吸道感染婴幼儿中人偏肺病毒（hMPV）的感染情况。方法采集2004年7月至2006年6月首都儿科研究所附属儿童医院门诊和住院呼吸道感染患儿的咽拭子和鼻咽洗液临床标本3330份，进行细胞培养和间接免疫荧光检测病毒；同时提取标本中病毒RNA后经逆转录聚合酶链反应扩增位于hMPVM基因的片段，经琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测扩增片段。结果从3330份临床标本中检测到110份hMPV阳性标本，阳性率3．3％。hMPV感染的患儿男女比例为1．5：1，其中〈1岁年龄组患儿占46．4％（51／110），1～岁年龄组患儿占11．8％（13／110），2～5岁年龄组患儿占33．6％（37／110），〉5岁年龄组患儿占8．2％（9／110）。hMPV感染患儿的临床症状以肺炎占的比例最大，为44．5％（49／110）；其次是诊断为上呼吸道感染（22．7％，25／110）；诊断为毛细支气管炎的占10．9％（12／110），其中诊断支气管炎占7．3％（8／110）。2004年7月至2005年6月期间几乎每个月份（除2005年5月和6月）都检出hMPV感染的阳性标本，未出现明显的流行高峰。而2005年7月至2006年6月期间hMPV出现了较为明显的流行，于2006年4月为最高峰，阳性检出率为17．1％。110例hMPV感染的临床标本中有6份标本存在与其他呼吸道病毒的合并感染。hMPV和同期的人呼吸道合胞病毒的感染高峰没有重叠。结论hMPV是北京地区婴幼儿急性呼吸道感染（尤其是下呼吸道感染）的重要病毒病原之一，其感染对2岁以下婴幼儿威胁更大。     

Respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in ex-preterm infants in the Scottish highlands: review of hospital admissions and an analysis of hospital cost

Ex-preterm infants are vulnerable to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis and their hospital admission is associated with increased morbidity. Palivizumab is currently available as prophylaxis against RSV infection but its use in ex-preterm infants is controversial. A retrospective case review study was, therefore, carried out to determine the rate of readmission with RSV bronchiolitis among ex-preterm infants in the Highland Region of Scotland and to estimate the hospital cost per admission. Between 1995 and 1999, a total of 3,046 children under 2 years of age were admitted to Raigmore Hospital, 1,691 of whom (60.4%) lived outwith Inverness. 507 children had acute bronchiolitis and ex preterm infants with RSV positive bronchiolitis accounted for 3.6% of total admissions with acute bronchiolitis. 72% of these children lived outwith Inverness. The median length of hospital stay for children born at less than 30 weeks and for children who had had bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was 6 and 10.5 days respectively. The average hospital costs per admission for children of less than 30 weeks and children of more than 30 weeks were 3,376 Pounds and 2,074 Pounds respectively. It was more expensive for children with BPD (4,431 Pounds per admission) when compared with those without BPD (1,959 Pounds per admission). This study has shown that most of the children admitted to hospital lived outwith Inverness, many at some considerable distance, and this, as much as severity of illness, may have contributed to hospital admission. Further studies are required to determine productivity losses associated with RSV infection and justification of use of Palivizumab in ex preterm infants of less than 30 weeks gestation and of BPD living in remote areas of Scottish Highlands.     

SARS-CoV antibody prevalence in all Hong Kong patient contacts

A total of 1,068 asymptomatic close contacts of patients with severe acute respiratory (SARS) from the 2003 epidemic in Hong Kong were serologically tested, and 2 (0.19%) were positive for SARS coronavirus immunoglobulin G antibody. SARS rarely manifests as a subclinical infection, and at present, wild animal species are the only important natural reservoirs of the virus.