Coronavirus-related nosocomial viral respiratory infections in a neonatal and paediatric intensive care unit: a prospective study

The incidence of nosocomial viral respiratory infections (NVRI) in neonates and children hospitalized in paediatric and neonatal intensive care units (PNICU) is unknown. Human coronaviruses (HCoV) have been implicated in NVRI in hospitalized preterm neonates. The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of HCoV-related NVRI in neonates and children hospitalized in a PNICU and the prevalence of viral respiratory tract infections in staff. All neonates (age< or =28 days) and children (age>28 days) hospitalized between November 1997 and April 1998 were included. Nasal samples were obtained by cytological brush at admission and weekly thereafter. Nasal samples were taken monthly from staff. Virological studies were performed, using indirect immunofluorescence, for HCoV strains 229E and OC43, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus types A and B, paramyxoviruses types 1, 2 and 3 and adenovirus. A total of 120 patients were enrolled (64 neonates and 56 children). Twenty-two samples from 20 patients were positive (incidence 16.7%). In neonates, seven positive samples, all for HCoV, were detected (incidence 11%). Risk factors for NVRI in neonates were: duration of hospitalization, antibiotic treatment and duration of parenteral nutrition (P<0.01). Monthly prevalence of viral infections in staff was between 0% and 10.5%, mainly with HCoV. In children, 15 samples were positive in 13 children at admission (seven RSV, five influenza and three adenovirus) but no NVRI were observed. In spite of a high rate of community-acquired infection in hospitalized children, the incidence of NVRI with common respiratory viruses appears low in neonates, HCoV being the most important pathogen of NRVI in neonates during this study period. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact on pulmonary function.     

成都地区儿童上呼吸道病毒和细菌感染状况及流行病学特征

目的了解成都地区儿童急性上呼吸道病毒和细菌感染状况,并分析其流行病学特征。方法将2018年4月至2020年4月医院收治住院治疗的1324例急性上呼吸道感染患儿纳入研究。对咽拭子标本进行病原体培养、分离与鉴定。结果1324份标本中,检出阳性1012份,阳性率为76.44%,其中单纯病毒感染检出率为50.40%,单纯细菌感染检出率为16.21%,混合感染检出率为33.40%。1324份标本中,细菌和病毒总检出率为76.44%,其中单纯病毒感染检出率为47.13%,单纯细菌感染检出率为16.21%,混合感染检出率为33.40%;细菌类型以流感嗜血杆菌为主,病毒类型以呼吸道合胞病毒A为主;不同年龄儿童上呼吸道病毒感染阳性率差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);不同季节儿童上呼吸道细菌和病毒感染阳性率差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);不同地区儿童上呼吸道病毒感染阳性率差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论成都地区儿童上呼吸道感染以病毒感染为主,流感嗜血杆菌和呼吸道合胞病毒A为儿童上呼吸道感染的主要病原体,0~1岁为上呼吸道细菌感染高发年龄,1~4岁为上呼吸道病毒感染高发年龄,冬季和城区儿童上呼吸道感染阳性率较高。     

Epidemic influenza and vitamin D

In 1981, R. Edgar Hope-Simpson proposed that a 'seasonal stimulus' intimately associated with solar radiation explained the remarkable seasonality of epidemic influenza. Solar radiation triggers robust seasonal vitamin D production in the skin; vitamin D deficiency is common in the winter, and activated vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D, a steroid hormone, has profound effects on human immunity. 1,25(OH)2D acts as an immune system modulator, preventing excessive expression of inflammatory cytokines and increasing the 'oxidative burst' potential of macrophages. Perhaps most importantly, it dramatically stimulates the expression of potent anti-microbial peptides, which exist in neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cells, and in epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract where they play a major role in protecting the lung from infection. Volunteers inoculated with live attenuated influenza virus are more likely to develop fever and serological evidence of an immune response in the winter. Vitamin D deficiency predisposes children to respiratory infections. Ultraviolet radiation (either from artificial sources or from sunlight) reduces the incidence of viral respiratory infections, as does cod liver oil (which contains vitamin D). An interventional study showed that vitamin D reduces the incidence of respiratory infections in children. We conclude that vitamin D, or lack of it, may be Hope-Simpson's 'seasonal stimulus'.     

儿童急性呼吸道感染578例病毒检测分析

目的 了解三门峡地区儿童急性呼吸道感染(ARI)的病毒病原学构成,指导临床诊断与治疗。方法 采集578例ARI住院患儿的鼻咽拭子,采用直接免疫荧光法检测7种病毒即呼吸道合胞病毒(RSV)、腺病毒(ADV)、副流感病毒Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ(PIVⅠ～Ⅲ)、流感病毒A、B型(IVA、IVB)。结果 儿童ARI的病毒总检出率为61.59%,混合感染占45.22%。病毒总检出率冬季最高(77.35%)、夏季最低(25.00%)。下呼吸道感染的病毒总检出率高于上呼吸道感染。RSV、PIVⅢ、IVA的检出率位居前三位,分别为30.62%、28.89%、21.97%。RSV及PIVⅢ在秋冬季、下呼吸道感染、3岁以下患儿中检出率较高;IVA在冬季、上呼吸道感染患儿中检出率较高。结论 RSV 、PIVⅢ、IVA是三门峡地区儿童急性呼吸道感染的主要病毒病原。RSV 、PIVⅢ是秋冬季节婴幼儿下呼吸道感染的主要病原;IVA是冬季各年龄患儿上呼吸道感染的主要病原。通过检测儿童ARI的病毒病原,对尽早明确病毒病原,避免滥用抗生素具有重要意义。     

Virale Atemwegsinfektionen bei Erwachsenen

In the course of a lifetime a decrease of the immunofunction occurs in adults, in particular of the adaptive immune system.Therefore, respiratory virus infections are usually mild and uncomplicated in young healthy people while elderly and frail adults more frequently develop serious diseases of the lower respiratory tract.Even “harmless” agents such as rhino- or coronaviruses frequently induce acute disorders or exacerbations in people with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases or asthma.For rapid diagnosis, detection of the viral antigen, viral genome, and infectivity by shell vial culture are suitable because the humoral immune response is delayed.Primarily, a nasopharyngeal sample should be used and in addition a specific local sample depending on the symptoms. The sensitivity of antigen assays is rather low. A combination of PCR and detection of infectivity increase the detection rate.Among the main respiratory viruses only influenza is preventable by vaccination.The annual revaccination of the elderly and patients with risk factors such as chronic cardiopulmonary diseases is important.Improved vaccines can enhance the immunoreaction.For therapy and prophylaxis against influenza A amantadine may be used.The neuraminidase inhibitors zanamivir and oseltamivir represent potent drugs for antiviral therapy against influenza virus A and B infection. Pleconaril, a capsid function inhibitor with effective antiviral activity against rhinovirus infection, awaits approval.     

Outbreak of Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum Infection in Cystic Fibrosis Patients, France

An increasing body of evidence indicates that nondiphtheria corynebacteria may be responsible for respiratory tract infections. We report an outbreak of Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum infection in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). To identify 18 C. pseudodiphtheriticum strains isolated from 13 French children with CF, we used molecular methods (partial rpoB gene sequencing) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Clinical symptoms were exhibited by 10 children (76.9%), including cough, rhinitis, and lung exacerbations. The results of MALDI-TOF identification matched perfectly with those obtained from molecular identification. Retrospective analysis of sputum specimens by using specific real-time PCR showed that ≈20% of children with CF were colonized with these bacteria, whereas children who did not have CF had negative test results. Our study reemphasizes the conclusion that correctly identifying bacteria at the species level facilitates detection of an outbreak of new or emerging infections in humans.     

非核苷类抗病毒药-盐酸阿比朵尔

流感是由流感病毒引起的一种危害人类健康的急性呼吸道传染病,发病率占有所呼吸道传染病的首位,往往造成季节性全球或局部地区大流行.流感还可引起很多合并症,如继发细菌感染,引起咽喉炎、中耳炎、鼻窦炎和支气管炎.严重感染者可引起病毒性肺炎,尤其是对老年人、慢性病人和小孩.流感还可使原有的慢性病加重,包括心脏病、肺病、肾脏疾病和...     

Time lines of infection and disease in human influenza: a review of volunteer challenge studies

The dynamics of viral shedding and symptoms following influenza virus infection are key factors when considering epidemic control measures. The authors reviewed published studies describing the course of influenza virus infection in placebo-treated and untreated volunteers challenged with wild-type influenza virus. A total of 56 different studies with 1,280 healthy participants were considered. Viral shedding increased sharply between 0.5 and 1 day after challenge and consistently peaked on day 2. The duration of viral shedding averaged over 375 participants was 4.80 days (95% confidence interval: 4.31, 5.29). The frequency of symptomatic infection was 66.9% (95% confidence interval: 58.3, 74.5). Fever was observed in 37.0% of A/H1N1, 40.6% of A/H3N2 (p = 0.86), and 7.5% of B infections (p = 0.001). The total symptoms scores increased on day 1 and peaked on day 3. Systemic symptoms peaked on day 2. No such data exist for children or elderly subjects, but epidemiologic studies suggest that the natural history might differ. The present analysis confirms prior expert opinion on the duration of viral shedding or the frequency of asymptomatic influenza infection, extends prior knowledge on the dynamics of viral shedding and symptoms, and provides original results on the frequency of respiratory symptoms or fever.     

Influenza A and B virus infection in infants and young children during the years 1957-1976.

Influenza A virus activity was demonstrated in infants and young children from metropolitan Washington, DC during each of 19 successive August-July respiratory disease years, and during 17 of these years at least 2% of hospitalized respiratory disease patients yielded an influenza A or B virus and/or showed an influenza A or B serum complement-fixing (CF) antibody response. Between October 1957 and July 1976, 14.3% of 860 croup patients and 5.3% of a total of 5655 hospitalized respiratory patients, including croup patients, showed evidence of influenza A or B infection. The mean period of hospitalization with either virus was about 8 days, though serious infection with influenza A virus was 4.5 times more common than with influenza B virus. Both influenza viruses were detected more frequently in respiratory disease outpatients than in respiratory disease inpatients. Patients with serious influenza A virus infections were especially likely to have croup (particularly during the H3N2 era), to be seen during December through February, and to be black male infants. During the peak month of a composite of 13 consecutive influenza A virus outbreaks, influenza A virus infection was demonstrated in 67.6% of croup patients and in 35.6% of all hospitalized respiratory patients including croup patients. During the peak month of a composite of 6 consecutive influenza B virus outbreaks, influenza B virus infection was demonstrated in 36.0% of croup patients and in 10.8% of all hospitalized respiratory disease patients including croup patients.     

The sudden infant death syndrome and epidemic viral disease.

A study was done to investigate the relationship between the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and epidemic respiratory viral disease among hospitalized children under 18 months of age. During the 42 month-period of this study, there were 778 sudden infant deaths in Chicago and 3244 hospital admissions of children under 18 months for respiratory disease. Four outbreaks of respiratory syncytial (RS) virus infections, three outbreaks of influenza A virus infections, and several small clusters of parainfluenza virus infections occurred during the course of this study. Influenza A was the only virus infection found to have a statistically significant association with SIDS. Although environmental temperature was also significantly correlated with SIDS, the association with influenza A virus infection was independent of this temperature effect and neither association was strong.     

A seven-year study of WHO virus laboratory reports on respiratory viruses

In 1963 the World Health Organization established a system for the collection and distribution of information on viruses. By 1973 laboratories in 45 countries were participating in this scheme. The present study is an analysis of the reports on adenovirus, influenza viruses A, B, and C, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial (RS) virus, rhinovirus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae during 1967-73. In the northern hemisphere, from which over 95% of the reports were received, a clear pattern of the seasonal incidence of different respiratory tract infections emerged. Over 70% of the total number of reported adenovirus infections, over 80% of the parainfluenza virus infections, and over 90% of the RS virus infections were in children. M. pneumoniae infections were most frequently reported in adults. Influenza A virus infection was predominant in the adult population, with a high proportion in those aged 60 years and over. Influenza B infections were reported equally in adults and children, but over one third were in children of school age. The proportion of lower respiratory infections to total respiratory infections varied from one virus to another, and ranged from less than half for adenovirus to over four fifths for mycoplasma infections. Nonlocalizing fever was usually the second principal clinical condition reported in association with respiratory viruses.     

1 410例儿童呼吸道感染病原体分析

目的了解儿童急性呼吸道感染的病原体及其感染特点。方法选取某院2011年1-12月因急性呼吸道感染收治住院的患儿1 410例,采用直接免疫荧光法检测7种病毒（包括副流感病毒Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ型,流感病毒A、B型,呼吸道合胞病毒和腺病毒）,培养法检测细菌。分析不同月份、年龄段儿童病毒感染率及其合并细菌感染情况。结果1 410份标本中,共检出病毒阳性594份（42.13%）,以呼吸道合胞病毒和腺病毒为主;检出细菌阳性258份（18.30%）。3、4、10、11月份病毒检出率较高（均＞50%）,7-9月病毒检出率较低（22.89%~31.40%）;1～3岁组病毒检出率较高（58.04%）,6～14岁组检出率较低（22.15%）。检出病毒混合感染阳性标本22份（1.56%）;单一病毒感染患儿合并细菌感染157例（27.45%）。流感病毒A、B型感染组合并细菌感染率较高,分别为47.06%、47.27%。结论儿童呼吸道病毒感染率与年龄和季节均相关;病毒感染后患儿合并细菌感染率较高,其中流感病毒A、B型感染更易合并细菌感染。     

Incidence of influenza-like illness, measured by a general practitioner sentinel system, is associated with day-to-day variations in respiratory health in panel studies

During three consecutive winters beginning in 1992-1993, the association between the incidence of influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI), measured by a general practitioner sentinel system, and respiratory health was investigated in an air pollution panel study. Data from 22 panels of children (7-11 years old) and adults (50-70 years old) in the Netherlands were used. ILI incidence was associated with peak expiratory flow, respiratory symptoms, and bronchodilator use. Peak ILI incidence of 122 cases/10,000 subjects was associated with a decrement in peak expiratory flow of 6% and a 3- to 4.5-fold increase in symptom reporting and bronchodilator use. In panel studies, ILI incidence might be used to adjust for confounding by acute respiratory infections.     

Prevention of acute otitis media by prophylaxis and treatment of influenza virus infections

Human experimental challenge studies with influenza virus infection and controlled intervention trials have demonstrated beyond doubt the role of influenza virus infection in the pathogenesis of acute otitis media. Influenza virus infections not only disrupt eustachian tube function, but also impair recovery from infection and facilitate attachment of bacterial pathogens to respiratory epithelial cells. Immunization of young children with either inactivated or live, attenuated influenza vaccine will significantly reduce the incidence of acute otitis media. Early treatment of influenza with antiviral medication will reduce eustachian tube dysfunction that results from influenza virus infection. Influenza produces high morbidity in children that could be averted by universal immunization with attenuated nasal spray vaccine.     

Update on enteral nutrition support for cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and reproductive systems. Nutrition status in persons with CF is often compromised due to increased energy needs, frequent infections, pancreatic insufficiency, lung disease, or CF-related diabetes. Maintaining good nutrition status has been associated with better pulmonary function, reduced hospitalizations, and increased longevity. Nutrition support as oral supplementation (used in >37% of the CF population) or tube feeding (used in >13% of the CF population) is often required for children and adults with CF. The purpose of this update is to describe current consensus and evidence for enteral nutrition support guidelines, reported complications of enteral feeding in the CF population, evidence of expected outcomes, and to discuss related areas requiring further research. A case report is provided to illustrate potential outcomes of aggressive enteral support.     

Comparing costs of home- versus hospital-based treatment of infections in adults in a specialist cystic fibrosis center

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to produce valid patient-based UK National Health Service (NHS) costs for adults with cystic fibrosis to identify differences between hospital- and home-based treatments for infections. METHODS: A costing study was carried out in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the United Kingdom, who required intravenous antibiotic treatments for respiratory infections, administered either at home or in the hospital. The perspective was that of the NHS hospital trust. Data were collected retrospectively for each patient for 1 year using clinical records. Data were collected for 116 adults with CF between 2000 and 2001, when 42,382 treatment days (454 courses) of intravenous antibiotics were administered; 213 courses with intention-to-treat at home and 241 courses with intention-to-treat in the hospital. The mean length of a course was 15.3 days. RESULTS: Patients who had >60 percent of courses at home over 1 year had a mean cost of 13,528 UK pounds, compared with 22,609 pounds for patients who had > 60 percent of courses in the hospital, and a mean cost of 19,927 UK pounds for patients who had an equal mix of home and hospital care (p = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The key cost-generating events in CF respiratory infections are hospital admissions. Future studies assessing costs should concentrate on factors affecting admissions, length of stay, staff input, and alternative methods of home-care provision, rather than marginal effects, such as using different antibiotics.     

Severe Influenza-associated Respiratory Infection in High HIV Prevalence Setting,South Africa, 2009–2011

Data on influenza epidemiology in HIV-infected persons are limited, particularly for sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV infection is widespread. We tested respiratory and blood samples from patients with acute lower respiratory tract infections hospitalized in South Africa during 2009–2011 for viral and pneumococcal infections. Influenza was identified in 9% (1,056/11,925) of patients enrolled; among influenza case-patients, 358 (44%) of the 819 who were tested were infected with HIV. Influenza-associated acute lower respiratory tract infection incidence was 4–8 times greater for HIV-infected (186–228/100,000) than for HIV-uninfected persons (26–54/100,000). Furthermore, multivariable analysis showed HIV-infected patients were more likely to have pneumococcal co-infection; to be infected with influenza type B compared with type A; to be hospitalized for 2–7 days or >7 days; and to die from their illness. These findings indicate that HIV-infected persons are at greater risk for severe illnesses related to influenza and thus should be prioritized for influenza vaccination.     

Seasonal trends of viral respiratory tract infections in the tropics.

To evaluate the seasonal trends of viral respiratory tract infections in a tropical environment, a retrospective survey of laboratory virus isolation, serology and immunofluorescence microscopy in two large general hospitals in Singapore between September 1990 and September 1994 was carried out. Respiratory tract viral outbreaks, particularly among infants who required hospitalization, were found to be associated mainly with respiratory syncytial (RSV) infections (72%), influenza (11%) and parainfluenza viruses (11%). Consistent seasonal variations in viral infections were observed only with RSV (March-August) and influenza A virus (peaks in June, December-January). The RSV trends were associated with higher environmental temperature, lower relative humidity and higher maximal day-to-day temperature variation. Although the influenza A outbreaks were not associated with meteorological factors, influenza B isolates were positively associated with rainfall. These data support the existence of seasonal trends of viral respiratory tract infections in the tropics.     

Human metapneumovirus infections in children

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an important cause of lower respiratory tract infections in hospitalized children, but the age-related incidence and effect of hMPV in unselected children in the community have not been evaluated. We studied a cohort of 1,338 children <13 years of age throughout 1 respiratory season in Finland during 2000-2001. We examined children and obtained a nasal swab for viral detection at any sign of respiratory infection. hMPV was detected in 47 (3.5%) of the 1,338 children. The age-related incidence of hMPV infection was highest (7.6%) in children <2 years of age, in whom hMPV accounted for 1.7% of all infections during the season. During the epidemic peak, hMPV caused 7.1% of all respiratory infections in the cohort. Acute otitis media developed in 61% of hMPV-infected children <3 years of age. Our findings demonstrate that the effect of hMPV in the community is greatest in children <2 years of age.     

Family functioning and stress as predictors of influenza B infection

A prospective cohort study was designed to study the effects of family functioning and stress on the incidence of influenza infection. Families from the clinic roster, containing two adults and at least one child between the ages of 1 and 18 years, were asked to participate. Baseline (pre-influenza) data included a serum determination for influenza A and B antibodies, family functioning as measured by the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES) II and the Family APGAR, and parental stress as measured by the social readjustment rating scale (SRRS). During the study all family members of patients with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms or fever were seen, and throat swabs were obtained for viral culture. Approximately 2 weeks after the influenza epidemic ended (March 1984), sera for antibodies were again collected on all family members. Chi-square analysis showed that infection (defined as a fourfold titer rise or a positive viral throat culture) was significantly associated with both cohesion and adaptability as measured by FACES II. Neither the Family APGAR nor the SRRS was associated with influenza B infection. It was concluded that family functioning affects the frequency of influenza B infection within families. This finding raises the possibility that family dysfunction may lead to altered immune responses, which increases susceptibility to infection.