Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of rotavirus lower respiratory tract infection in preschool children / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate and study epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of rotavirus lower respiratory tract infection in preschool children. Methods The preschool children with rotavirus enteritis and lower respiratory tract infection admitted to the hospital were retrospectively analyzed January 2021 and June 2022. The situations and risk factors of lower respiratory tract infection were evaluated by chest X-ray, serological examination and throat swab culture. Results In the 155 preschool children with rotavirus enteritis, there were 59 (38.06%) cases with lower respiratory tract infection. The results of pathogens culture showed that proportion of Haemophilus influenzae was the highest (28.81%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.64%, 15.25%). There were significant differences between infection group and non-infection group in age, histories of family members smoking, children's aggregated activities and family members' respiratory diseases, family members' and children' attention to hand hygiene, pregnancy outcomes, age at the first usage of antibiotics and onset seasons (P0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age <3 years (OR=2.962, P=0.031), history of family members' smoking (OR=2.869, P=0.035), history of family members' respiratory diseases (OR=2.354, P=0.039) and the age at the first usage of antibiotics <1 year (OR=2.622, P=0.033) were all independent risk factors of rotavirus lower respiratory tract infection in preschool children. Conclusion The preschool children with rotavirus are prone to lower respiratory tract infection. Clinically, more attentions should be payed to children with age <3 years, history of family members' smoking, history of family members' respiratory diseases and the age at the first usage of antibiotics <1 year. The targeted measures should be actively taken to prevent the risk of lower respiratory tract infection.

Distribution and drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria in lower respiratory tract of 276 hospitalized children / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria in 276 hospitalized children with lower respiratory tract infection to facilitate prevention and treatment. Methods Among of 276 hospitalized children with lower respiratory tract infection from January 2019 to December 2021 were analyzed. Data on the distribution of pathogenic bacteria were collected and analyzed. At the same time, the information on drug resistance was collected, and the potential relationship between pathogen distribution and drug resistance was briefly analyzed and discussed. Results A total of 532 strains of pathogenic bacteria were detected in the blood samples from 276 patients in this study. There were 207 strains of Gram-positive bacteria, including 104 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 96 strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis and 7 strains of others. Gram negative bacteria (325 strains) were 172 strains of Klebsiella and 153 strains of Escherichia coli. The distribution of pathogenic bacteria in different gender and age groups (under 5 years old, 5-10 years old, and over 10 -14 years old) was calculated separately. The results showed that the distribution of pathogenic bacteria in female children under 5 years old (n=49 cases) was different from the total population: the infection of Gram-positive bacteria was higher than that of Gram-negative bacteria, and the proportion of Staphylococcus epidermidis was the highest (P<0.05). The distribution characteristics of children of other ages and sexes were consistent with the total distribution characteristics. The resistance rate of Gram-positive bacteria to penicillin, erythromycin and clarithromycin was high, while the resistance rate of Gram-negative bacteria to ampicillin, cefazolin and cefuroxime was high. The distribution characteristics were the same in children of different sex and age. Conclusion The pathogenic bacteria in children with lower respiratory tract infection in pediatric ward are mainly Gram-negative bacteria, and the main pathogenic bacteria have a high resistance rate to common drugs. The distribution of pathogenic bacteria in female children under 5 years old is unique: the infection of Gram-positive bacteria is higher than that of Gram-negative bacteria, and the proportion of Staphylococcus epidermidis is the highest, which deserves attention. The clinical drug sensitivity test can be used as an important reference for the treatment of drugs to guide the rational selection of antibiotics.

Human bocavirus infection in children hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infections: Does viral load affect disease course?

Objective: To examine the effects of human bocavirus type 1 (HBoV1) on the course of lower respiratory tract infections in cases of monoinfection and coinfection, and the effects of HBoV1 viral load on the disease in children under six years old hospitalized with a diagnosis of HBoV1-associated lower respiratory tract infections. Methods: Children under six years of age, who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection due to HBoV1 between 1 January 2021 and 1 January 2022 were included in the study. Laboratory confirmation of the respiratory pathogens was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Fifty-four (16.4%) children with HBoV1 among 329 children whose PCR was positive with bacterial/viral agent in nasopharyngeal swab samples were included in the study. There were 28 (51.9%) males and 26 (48.1%) females with a median age 23.4 months [interquartile range (IQR): 13.2, 30.0 months] (min-max:1 month-68 months). HBoV1 was detected as a monoinfecton in 26 (48.1%) children, and as a coinfection with other respiratory agents in 28 children (51.9%). In multiple regression analysis, coinfection (P=0.032) was associated with the length of hospitalization (P<0.001; R 2 =0.166). There was a negative correlation (r= 0.281, P=0.040) between cough and cycle threshold. Fever was found to be positively correlated with C-reactive protein (r=0.568, P<0.001) and procalcitonin (r=0.472; P=0.001). Conclusions: Although we found a higher HBoV1 viral load in children with more cough symptoms in our study, it had no effect on the severity of the disease, such as length of hospital stay and need for intensive care. Coinfection was found to affect the length of hospitalization.

Distribution and antimicrobial resistance pattern of bacteria isolated from alveolar lavage fluid in pediatric patients with lower respiratory tract infection / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To analyze the distribution and antimicrobial resistance pattern of bacteria isolated from alveolar lavage fluid in pediatric patients with lower respiratory tract infection from 2016 to 2018.Methods:The alveolar lavage fluid of pediatric patients aged <18 years old with lower respiratory tract infection in ten hospitals from January 2016 to December 2018 were collected, and the pathogenic bacteria were cultured and isolated. The paper diffusion method or minimum inhibitory concentration method was used to conduct drug susceptibility tests for the isolated strains.The distribution of pathogenic bacteria and the source department of the strains were analyzed.Chi-sqare test was used for statistical analysis.Results:Of 1 271 isolates, 606 strains (47.7%) were gram-negative bacteria, 628 strains (49.4%) were gram-positive bacteria, and 37 strains (2.9%) were fungi. The common pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae (36.7%, 466/1 271), Acinetobacter baumannii (16.8%, 214/1 271), Staphylococcus aureus (12.7%, 162/1 271), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.3%, 105/1 271), Haemophilus influenzae (7.4%, 94/1 271), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.2%, 79/1 271), Burkholderia cepacia (5.3%, 67/1 271) and Escherichia coli (3.7%, 47/1 271). The main pathogens in the intensive care unit (ICU) were gram-negative bacteria (80.1%, 428/534), among which Acinetobacter baumannii was the most common (3.7%, 199/534). The main pathogens in the non-ICU were gram-positive bacteria (70.8%, 522/737). The detection rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were 45.1%(23/51) in the ICU and 43.2% (48/111) in the non-ICU, respectively. The detection rates of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) were 10.9%(6/55) in the ICU and 18.5% (76/411) in the non-ICU, respectively. The detection rates of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) were 57.3%(43/75) in the ICU and 33.3%(10/30) in the non-ICU, respectively. The detection rate of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) in the ICU was higher than that in the non-ICU (49.1%(27/55) vs 25.0%(6/24)), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=3.98, P=0.046). Eight strains (17.0%) of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli were detected, and 164 strains(76.6%) of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii were detected. Seventy-eight Haemophilus influenzae isolates were isolated from non-ICU, and the resistance rate to ampicillin was 57.4%(54/94). Burkholderia cepacia isolates were all isolated from ICU, and the resistance rates to piperacillin-tazobactam, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and compound sulfamethoxazole were 13.4%(9/67), 3.0%(2/67), 0(0/67) and 9.0%(6/67), respectively. Conclusions:Streptococcus pneumoniae is still the most common pathogen in pediatric patients with lower respiratory tract infection. Gram-negative bacilli are the main pathogens in pediatric patients with lower respiratory tract infection in the ICU. The dection rates of MRSA, PRSP and carbopenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli are high. And the resistance rate of Haemophilus influenzae to ampicillin is also high. The clinical empirical treatment should be determined according to different clinical background.

Epidemiological study of respiratory syncytial virus-associated acute lower respiratory tract infection in hospitalized children in Shanghai / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI), and to analyzed the risk factors for severe infection.Methods:The epidemiological and clinical data of hospitalized children with ALRTI and positive RSV test from Children′s Hospital of Fudan University from January 2013 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.The hospitalized children from October 2016 to November 2017 were selected by random singular sequence and divided into severe infection group and non-severe infection group. The clinical data of the two groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of severe RSV-associated ALRTI.Results:A total of 34 192 hospitalized children were diagnosed with ALRTI, and 8 113(23.73%) children were positive for respiratory tract viruses, including 4 028(11.78%) children with RSV infection, which was higher than other common respiratory tract viruses. Among the 4 028 RSV-positive children, 2 550(63.31%) were under six months of age, 3 623(89.95%) were under two years of age. The detection rates of RSV in spring, summer, autumn and winter were 6.47%(553/8 551), 2.46%(176/7 161), 12.85%(1 042/8 111) and 21.77%(2 257/10 369), respectively. In 347 hospitalized children with RSV-associated ALRTI, 54 cases were severe cases. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RSV-positive patients complicated with respiratory diseases ( Z=3.43), cardiovascular diseases ( Z=4.96), non-exclusive breast-feeding ( Z=-1.97) and premature birth ( Z=-1.98) were independent risk factors for severe RSV-associated ALRTI (all P<0.050). Conclusions:RSV is the most important and common viral pathogen in hospitalized children with ALRTI in Shanghai, and infants under six months of age are the most susceptible to RSV. RSV patients complicated with respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, non-exclusive breast-feeding and premature birth are more likely to develope severe RSV-associated ALRTI.

The effect of recombinant human interferon α1b treatment of infants hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infection on subsequent wheezing

Abstract Objective: To investigate the impact of recombinant human interferon α1b (rhIFNα1b) treatment in infants hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infections on subsequent wheezing. Methods: The clinical data of infants (n = 540) with viral pneumonia, wheezy bronchitis, or bronchiolitis hospitalized in 19 Chinese hospitals from June 2009 to June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The parameters relevant to wheezing episodes within the last year were collected by telephone and questionnaires. The rhIFNα1b treatment group (n = 253) and control group (n = 287) were compared in terms of wheezing episodes within the last year. Moreover, the wheezing group (95 cases) and non-wheezing group (445 cases) were compared. Results: Out of 540 cases, 95 (17.6%) experienced wheezing episodes, 13.8% (35/253) cases treated with rhIFNα1b, and 20.9% (60/287) cases without rhIFNα1b experienced wheezing episodes within the last year. The rhIFNα1b treatment significantly improved wheezing episodes within the last year, compared with the control peers (p = 0.031). Single-factor regression showed statistically significant differences between the wheezing and non-wheezing groups in terms of age, rhIFNα1b use, childhood and family history of allergy, housing situation, and feeding history (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression showed a childhood history of allergy (OR = 2.14, p = 0.004), no rhIFNα1b use (OR = 1.70, p = 0.028), and living in a crowded house (OR = 1.92, p = 0.012) might be risk factors of subsequent wheezing. Accordingly, breastfeeding (OR = 0.44, p = 0.008) and hospitalization age of 1-year-old (OR = 0.58, p = 0.024) were protective factors. Conclusions: Early use of rhIFNα1b in infants hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infections and breastfeeding could prevent subsequent wheezing. Living in a crowded house could promote subsequent wheezing.

Molecular epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from lower respiratory tract of ICU patients / Epidemiologia molecular de Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolada em pacientes com infecções do trato respiratório inferior admitidos em UTI

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most common infection among hospitalized patients, associated with increased levels of morbidity, mortality and attributable health care costs. Increased resistant Pseudomonas worldwide has been quite meaningful to patients, especially in intensive care unit (ICUs). Different species of Pseudomonas exhibit different genetic profile and varied drug resistance. The present study determines the molecular epidemiology through DNA fingerprinting method and drug resistance of P. aeruginosa isolated from patients with LTRIs admitted in ICU. A total of 79 P. aeruginosa isolated from patients with LRTIs admitted in ICU were characterized by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Repetitive Extrapalindromic PCR (REP-PCR). Antibiotic resistance was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay while MDR genes, viz, blaTEM, blaOXA, blaVIM, blaCTX-M-15 were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 137 Pseudomonas sp isolated from ICU patients, 57.7% of the isolates were reported to be P. aeruginosa. The overall prevalence of P. aeruginosa among the all included patients was 34.5%. The RAPD analysis yielded 45 different patterns with 72 clusters with 57% to 100% similarity level. The RFLP analysis yielded 8 different patterns with 14 clusters with 76% to 100% similarity level. The REP PCR analysis yielded 37 different patterns with 65 clusters with 56% to 100% similarity level. There was no correlation among the different DNA patterns observed between the three different methods. Predominant of the isolates (46.8%) were resistant to amikacin. Of the 79 isolates, 60.8% were positive for blaTEM gene and 39.2% were positive for blaOXA gene. P. aeruginosa was predominantly isolated from patients with LRTIs admitted in ICU. The difference in the similarity level observed between the three DNA fingerprinting methods indicates that there is high inter-strain variability. The high genetic variability and resistance patterns indicates that we should continuously monitor the trend in the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa especially in patients with LRTIs admitted in ICU.

Infecções do trato respiratório inferior (ITRIs) são as infecções mais comuns entre pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). Pseudomonas aeruginosa é a causa mais comum de ITRIs e está associada ao aumento da mortalidade. Diferentes espécies de Pseudomonas exibem diferentes perfis genéticos e resistência variada as drogas. O presente estudo determina a epidemiologia molecular através do método de fingerprinting de DNA e resistência as drogas de P. aeruginosa isoladas de pacientes com LTRIs internados em UTI. Um total de 79 P. aeruginosa isoladas de pacientes com ITRIs internados em UTI foram caracterizados por Polimorfismo de Comprimento de Fragmentos de Restrição (RFLP), DNA Polimórfico Amplificado ao Acaso (RAPD) e PCR Extrapalindrômico Repetitivo (REP-PCR). A resistência aos antibióticos foram determinadas pelos ensaios de concentrações inibitória mínima (MIC), enquanto os genes MDR, blaTEM, blaOXA, blaVIM, blaCTX-M-15 foram detectados pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Das 137 Pseudomonas sp isoladas de pacientes de UTI, 57,7% dos isolados foram relatados como P. aeruginosa. A prevalência geral de P. aeruginosa entre os pacientes incluídos foram de 34,5%. A análise RAPD renderam 45 padrões diferentes com 72 clusters com nível de similaridade de 57% a 100%. A análise RFLP renderam 8 padrões diferentes com 14 clusters com 76% a 100% de similaridade. A análise de PCR do REP produziram 37 padrões diferentes com 65 clusters com nível de similaridade de 56% a 100%. Não houveram correlações entre os diferentes padrões de DNA observados entre os três diferentes métodos. Predominantes dos isolados (46,8%) eram resistentes à amicacina. Dos 79 isolados, 60,8% foram positivos para o gene blaTEM e 39,2% foram positivos para o gene blaOXA. P. aeruginosa foi predominantemente isolado de pacientes com ITRIs internados em UTI. A diferença no nível de similaridade observado entre os três métodos de fingerprinting do DNA indica que há alta variabilidade inter-strain. A alta variabilidade genética e os padrões de resistência indicam que devemos monitorar continuamente a tendência na prevalência e resistência a antibióticos de P. aeruginosa, especialmente em pacientes com ITRIs internados em UTI.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamases in enteric Gram-negative bacteria from patients with lower respiratory tract infections in a tertiary hospital, southwest Nigeria

Background: AmpC or class C or group 1 beta lactamases are class C cephalosporinases that hydrolyse a wide variety of beta-lactam antibiotics including alpha methoxy beta-lactams (cefoxitin), narrow and broad spectrum cephalosporins. This study was conducted to characterize plasmid-mediated AmpC producing enteric Gram- negative bacteria from patients with lower respiratory tract infections in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria Methodology: A total of 149 patients with clinical features of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) were selected by simple random sampling for the study. All Gram-negative isolates recovered from standard microbiological cultures of respiratory specimens of these patients were tested against cefoxitin, third generation cephalosporins (3GCs), and other antibiotics using the disc diffusion AST method, and also screened for production of AmpC beta-lactamases phenotypically by the CLSI method. Plasmid DNA extraction was carried out on twenty-nine cefoxitin-resistant selected isolates using the Kado and Lin method, while genotypic detection of plasmid-mediated AmpC gene was carried out by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Results: The results showed that 204 (43.3%) of 471 isolates recovered from the 149 selected patients were resistant to 3GC in the AST assay, among which 121 (59.3%) were resistant to cefoxitin, and 189 of the 471 isolates (40.1%) were AmpC producers. The AmpC producers concurrently showed multiple resistance pattern to other antibiotics tested in this study. Ninety six percent of the 29 selected isolates for plasmid analysis contained plasmids, 45% of which amplified positive on PCR for CMY, 38% for FOX, and 31% for ACC types of AmpC genes. Conclusion: This study showed a high degree of antibiotic resistance among enteric Gram-negative bacteria recovered from patients with LRTIs, as well as high degree of plasmid-encoded AmpC genes responsible for this high antibiotic resistance among the isolates. Proper antibiotic policy and regulation are required to limit the spread of plasmid mediated AmpC ß-lactamase

Application of next-generation sequencing technology in pathogen detection of lower respiratory tract infection in children / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Next-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as high-throughput sequencing, is more efficient compared with Sanger sequencing that has become the standard method of clinical DNA sequencing, and can obtain a large amount of information in a relatively short time at a lower cost.NGS has broad prospects in such aspects as diagnosing the pathogen of lower respiratory tract infection in children, identifying the pathogen of cross-infection in hospital, drug resistance research and vaccine development.It is still worth conducting further studies on the approach to improve the specificity and sensitivity of diagnosis and to optimize NGS.

Clinical study of acute lower respiratory tract infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus in neonates / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) in neonates caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and to analyze the factors associated with the severe infection.Methods:Clinical data of 399 ALRTI neonates with positive nucleic acids or antigen of RSV admitted to Shenzhen Children′s Hospital from January 2014 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed for their clinical cha-racteristics.They were divided into mild-to-moderate group and severe group according to the severity index (SI), and the clinical data of the 2 groups were compared.Relevant factors of severe ALRTI of RSV in neonates were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression. Results:(1) A total of 399 ALRTI neonates with RSV infection were included, involving 239 males (59.9%) and 160 females (40.1%) with a male-to-female ratio of 1.49∶1.00.There were 349 cases (87.5%) and 50 cases (12.5%) in the mild-to-moderate group and severe group, respectively.The disease mainly occurred from March to October.(2) There were significant differences in the preterm delivery [15 cases (4.3%) vs.9 cases (18.0%)], low birth weight [11 cases (3.2%) vs.6 cases (12.0%)], previous hospitalization history [12 cases (3.4%) vs.5 cases (10.0%)], and breastfeeding [167 cases (47.9%) vs.16 cases (32.0%)] between the mild-to-moderate group and severe group ( χ2=14.524, 8.394, 4.616 and 4.426, respectively, all P<0.05). (3) There were significant differences in fever [78 cases (22.4%) vs.18 cases (36.0%)], shortness of breath [156 cases (44.7%) vs.36 cases (72.0%)], poor appetite [48 cases (13.8%) vs.15 cases (30.0%)], wheezing [20 cases (5.7%) vs.10 cases (20.0%)], cyanosis [30 cases (8.0%) vs.16 cases (32.0%)] and mental status (irritability/malaise) [20 cases (5.7%) vs.8 cases (16.0%)], and duration of cough[(8.1±2.6) days vs.(9.4±2.9) days ] between the mild-to-moderate group and severe group ( χ2=4.460, 13.057, 8.682, 12.806, 23.486 and 7.068, t=-3.054, all P<0.05). Moist rales in the lungs [29 cases (58.0%) vs.114 cases (32.7%)] and three concave signs [14 cases (28.0%) vs.20 cases (5.7%)] were commonly found in the severe group, while pulmonary phlegm sounds [168 cases (48.1%) vs.14 cases (28.0%)]was commonly found in the mild-to-moderate group, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=12.208, 27.823 and 7.149, respectively, all P<0.05). (4) Multifactorial analysis showed that premature delivery was an independent risk factor for the development of severe ALRTI caused by RSV in neonates ( OR=3.717, 95% CI: 1.257-10.987), and shortness of breath ( OR=2.216, 95% CI: 1.061-4.629), cyanosis ( OR=3.621, 95% CI: 1.638-8.004) and three concave signs ( OR=2.688, 95% CI: 1.077-6.711) may be early warning factors for the severe condition. Conclusions:Preterm infants with RSV infection are prone to develop into severe disease, and neonates with RSV infection with shortness of breath, cyanosis and three concave signs as symptoms of severe infection should be well concerned for a close monitoring.

Correlation of weight and hypoxemia in children aged between six months to five years with acute lower respiratory tract infection in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are the leading cause of death among children less than 5 years in India. Poverty and malnutrition underlie both the high incidence and deaths of young children from pneumonia in SEAR countries.Methods: A hospital based prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 200 children admitted with signs of ALRI were included in the study. A portable oximeter was used to measure oxygen saturation with an appropriately sized sensor on the finger or the toe. Weight was recorded on a standardized digital weighing scale and plotted on standard WHO weight for age chart. Chi-square test was used to test the significance.Results: Out of 200 children studied hypoxemia was present in 90 children with a percentage of 45% and absent in 110 children with a percentage of 55%. Out of 90 children who had hypoxemia, 40 children had weight less than 3rd centile. Out 110 children who had did not have hypoxemia, only 24 children had weight less than 3rd centile. It was observed that children with Weight for age less than 3rd centile according to standard WHO charts had higher incidence of hypoxemia. This correlation was statistically significant at p value of 0.001.Conclusions: Based on the results of this study hypoxemia is widely prevalent in children aged between six months to five years presenting with acute lower respiratory tract infection. There was significant correlation with weight and hypoxemia in children aged between six months to five years with acute lower respiratory tract infection.

Vitamin D deficiency among hospitalized infants with acute lower respiratory tract infection

Background: Vitamin D plays important role in immunity and its deficiency might be associated with increased risk of lower respiratory tract infection. This study aimed to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is commoner in infants with acute lower respiratory tract infection as compared to normal infants and to correlate the severity of vitamin D deficiency with severity of ALRTI.Methods: A hospital based prospective case-control study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 208 infants (109 cases and 99 controls) older than 7 days to 12 months of age, were enrolled. Cases were selected according to the definition of ALRTI given by WHO (2). Controls were chosen from children attending paediatric outpatients department for immunization or minor short duration aliments. Primary outcome measured as serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25OHD3) levels and severity of ALRTI was independent variable.Results: Among 109 cases suffering from ALRTI, vitamin D deficiency was present in 65.11%, 92.3%, 88.9% children of ‘pneumonia, severe pneumonia and very severe pneumonia group respectively. It was found that vitamin D deficiency was commoner in cases as compared to controls (80.70 % vs 25.50% ) with OR of 12.40 (95 % CI was 6.13 - 25.38). There was inverse relationship between the severity of ALRTI and Vitamin D levels (p value <0.001 and Pearson correlation coefficient -0.32).Conclusions: Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in ALRI cases as compared to controls and had negative correlation between vitamin D levels and severity of pneumonia.

Prevalance of anemia in children with acute lower respiratory tract infection: a case control study in children between 6 months to 23 months

Background: Anemia and ALRI are quite common in infants and toddlers in developing countries. ALRI is a leading cause of mortality in children below 5 years of age and it is important to prevent risk factors for development of ALRI. Present study was conducted to know the prevalence of anemia in children between 6 m to 23 m with ALRI and the relation between ALRI and anemia.Methods: This is a prospective case control study, conducted at Level 2 hospital situated in   backward district over a period of 1 year. Two hundred cases who had ALRI as per WHO criteria and 200 controls  were taken as the study group. Children were divided in to 3 different age groups. Haemoglobin level was estimated in all.Anemia was defined and classified according to WHO criteria.Results: Out of total 200 children both in cases and controls, 128 (64%) were males and 72 (36%) were females. Overall 190 (95%) of cases and 187 (93.5%) of controls had anemia. The prevalence of anemia was uniform in both sexes and all age groups. Children in the age group 6m -11m were more likely to develop ALRI.Conclusions: Prevalance of anemia in children between 6 m to 23 m with ALRI and without ALRI was 93.5% and 95% respectively. Authors cannot declare with affirmation that there was no association between Hb levels and ALRI as prevalence of anemia was very high in control group. Screening all children for anemia and taking proper intervention measures is necessary while treating for other ailments like ALRI.

Estudio clínico-epidemiológico de las infecciones respiratorias agudas bajas causadas por adenovirus en niños hospitalizados. Diecinueve años de vigilancia epidemiológica activa / Clinical and epidemiological study of acute lower respiratory tract infections caused by adenovirus in hospitalized children. Nineteen years of active epidemiological surveillance

Introducción. La infección respiratoria aguda baja por adenovirus es una importante causa de morbimortalidad en niños. Objetivos: Describir el patrón clínico-epidemiológico y los factores asociados en niños hospitalizados.Métodos. Estudio transversal en niños ingresados por infección respiratoria aguda baja al Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, en 2000-2018. El diagnóstico viral se realizó mediante inmunofluorescencia indirecta en secreciones nasofaríngeas. Se compararon características clínico-epidemiológicas de infección por adenovirus con otros virus respiratorios (virus sincicial respiratorio, influenza y parainfluenza). Se utilizó regresión logística múltiple para identificar predictores independientes de infección.Resultados. De 16018 pacientes con infección respiratoria aguda baja, 13545 fueron testeados para virus respiratorios y 6047 (el 45 %) fueron positivos. Adenovirus fue el agente menos frecuente [el 4,4 % (265) de los casos]; presentó una tendencia en descenso durante todo el período estudiado (pico en 2003) y circuló durante todo el año (pico en julio). El 63,8 % eran varones; mediana de edad: 11 meses (rango intercuartílico: 6-20). La presentación clínica más frecuente fue neumonía (el 63 %). El 50 % tenía internaciones previas por causa respiratoria; el 15,6 % eran reingresos; el 58,3 % tenía comorbilidades. El 19,2 % requirió asistencia ventilatoria; el 44 %registró complicaciones. La letalidad fue del 7,7 %. La infección por adenovirus se asoció a edad ≥ 12 meses, sexo masculino, presentación clínica de neumonía, internaciones previas por causas respiratorias y reinternaciones.Conclusiones. Los adenovirus fueron detectados con menor frecuencia que los otros virus respiratorios, aunque presentaron un importante perfil de morbimortalidad

Introduction. Acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) caused by adenovirus is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children.Objectives. To describe the clinical and epidemiological pattern and associated factors in hospitalized children.Methods. Cross-sectional study in children admitted due to ALRTI to Hospital de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez," in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, between 2000 and 2018. Viral diagnosis was done by indirect immunofluorescence in nasopharyngeal secretions. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of adenovirus infection were compared to other respiratory viruses (respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and parainfluenza). A multiple logistic regression was done to identify independent predictors of infection.Results. Out of 16 018 patients with ALRTI, 13 545 were tested for respiratory viruses; 6047 (45 %) had a positive result. Adenovirus was the least common agent (4.4 % [265] of cases); it tended towards a reduction over the study period (peak in 2003) and circulated throughout the year (peak in July). In total, 63.8 % of patients were males; median age: 11 months (interquartile range: 6-20). The most common clinical presentation was pneumonia (63 %). Prior admissions due to respiratory conditions were seen in 50 %; 15.6 %were readmissions; 58.3 % had comorbidities. Ventilatory support was required by 19.2 %and complications were recorded in 44 %. The fatality rate was 7.7 %. Adenovirus infection was associated with age ≥ 12 months, male sex, clinical presentation of pneumonia, prior admissions due to respiratory conditions, and readmissions.Conclusions. Adenoviruses were less common than other respiratory viruses, although their morbidity and mortality were important

A study of effect of medications on patients with non complicated acute bronchitis

Background: Authors define acute bronchitis as a self-limiting infection of large airways, which is characterized by cough without pneumonia. NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are prescribed in patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI). In cough, fever and chest pain it is common practice to prescribe NSAIDS or antibiotics. Authors have conducted assessment of effect of medications in the resolution of cough of patients with uncomplicated acute bronchitis.Methods: It was a single blinded randomized clinical trial conducted in patients admitted to pulmonary medicine department of government medical college Shivpuri. Patients were from age group 18 to 70 years presenting with respiratory tract infection of less than one week’s duration, with cough as the predominant symptom and diagnosed with non-complicated acute bronchitis. Patients were randomized into two groups, group A and B according to medications.Results: Among 120 participants were randomized (60 to ibuprofen and 60 to antibiotic). The median number of days with frequent cough was slightly lower among patients of group A (12 days) compared with those receiving amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (14 days). No significant difference was found. Adverse effect was seen in 24 patients, which was most common in group B (15.25%) than group A (9.15%). p<0.05).Conclusions: No significant differences were observed in the number of days with cough between patients with uncomplicated acute bronchitis treated with ibuprofen or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.

Association between anemia and acute lower respiratory tract infection in under-five children at Puducherry, India: a case control study

Background: Anemia has been widely studied as an important factor in the immunity composition of under five children. The incidence of infections in children can be attributed to some extend to the prevalence of anemia among them. Hence this study aimed at exploring the association between anemia and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) among the 6 months to 5 years old children as an effort to establish anemia as an independent risk factor for LRTI.Methods: A case-control study was conducted among 200 children in the age group of 6 months'5 years who attended the out-patient and in-patient unit of the department of paediatrics during July to September 2019. Accordingly 100 cases of LRTI and 100 normal controls were age and gender matched and their parents were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Blood investigations were done and documented in a proforma. The association between anemia and LRTI was studied statistically.Results: Anemia was associated strongly with LRTI [odds ratio=4.96 (2.72, 9.1)] with 68% of the cases with LRTI manifesting anemia. The highest level of anemia was recorded among those with LRTI in the 25-42 months age group (80.8%) which was significantly (p<0.001) higher than controls. The mean hemoglobin level was 9.6'0.8 gm% among the cases which was significantly lower (p<0.001) than that of the controls (11.7'1.1 gm%). The mean iron level was 40'7.3 ?g/dL among cases and 72'12.1?g/dL among the non-LRTI group (p<0.001).Conclusions: Anemia was significantly associated with LRTI group compared to the control group proving it to be an independent risk factor for LRTI.

Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with diabetes mellitus and lower respiratory tract infection

Background: Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) still remains a global public health problem. Diabetes Mellitus (DM), is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia. Diabetes along with poor glycaemic control leads to an immune compromised state. As prevalence of both TB and DM is increasing in India, this association of PTB and DM may prove a threat to TB control program. Aims and objectives of the study was to detect prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with DM and Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI).Methods: Sputum specimen from consecutive 250 known diabetic adult patients with type 2 diabetes and clinical evidence of LRTI were processed for microscopy, solid culture and Xpert MTB/RIF assay. Clinical findings, duration of DM, regularity of treatment and recent fasting blood glucose level were noted.Results: TB was detected in 31(12.8%) patients. Microscopy, culture and Xpert assay were positive in 14(5.6%), 29(11.6%) and 24(9.5%) cases respectively. Culture detected seven cases more than Xpert assay. Two additional cases were detected by Xpert assay than culture. Rifampicin resistance was detected in seven (29.17%) cases by Xpert assay. TB detection rate was higher in patients with more than two weeks of cough (14.38%), history of tuberculosis (15.9%), hyperglycemia (13.9%) and significantly higher in those with irregular anti-diabetic treatment (35.7%).Conclusions: Irregular anti-diabetic treatment, hyperglycaemia and history of tuberculosis were strongly associated with pulmonary TB. Xpert assay should be used as the initial diagnostic test for detection of tuberculosis as well as rifampicin resistance in diabetic patients by TB control programme.

Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of bacterial isolates from sputum samples of admitted patients with acute lower respiratory tract infections in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Tripura: a hospital record-based study

Background: Antibiotics are frequently used for various infectious diseases e.g., acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI). But, injudicious use of antibiotics often leads to antibiotic resistance which is an emerging problem. The objective of this study was taken up to analyse the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of pathogens isolated from the sputum samples of admitted patients suffering from ALRTI in a tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: It is a hospital record-based study with a sample size of 393.Results: Klebsiella (52.16%) was the most common organism followed by Acinetobacter (13.49%) and Pseudomonas (13.23%) isolated from the sputum sample. Imipenem, piperacillin/tazobactam combination and gentamicin was sensitive against Klebsiella and Pseudomonas and the association were statistically significant. Acinetobacter was resistant to ceftriaxone.Conclusions: The commonest pathogens isolated from the sputum samples were Klebsiella followed by Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas. Imipenem, piperacillin/tazobactam combination and gentamicin was sensitive against Klebsiella and Pseudomonas.

Epidemiological characteristics of acute lower respiratory tract infection in children in Gansu Province / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To analyze the pathogenic epidemiological characteristics of acute lower respiratory tract infection(ALRTI) in children in Gansu Province from 2012 to 2015. Methods The surveillance data of 458 children infected with ALRTI in 10 sentinel hospitals in Gansu province from 2012 to 2015 were collected, and infection status and epidemiological characteristics of each virus and bacteria were analyzed by descriptive study methods. Results The male to female ratio of the 458 children with ALRTI was 1.81:1, and the positive detection rate of the virus was 33.62%（95% CI：29.28%-37.97%), among which the positive detection rate of respiratory syncytial virus was the highest (12.23%).The positive detection rate of bacteria was 24.84%（95% CI：20.04%-29.65%),among which the positive detection rate of streptococcus pneumoniae was the highest (18.47%).There was significant no difference in the positive detection rate of virus and bacteria between children of different genders (P>0.05).There was significant no difference in the positive detection rate of virus among children of different age groups ( 2=5.980,P=0.050), but the positive detection rate of bacteria was different ( 2=12.078,P=0.002).Positive detection rates of virus infection and bacterial infection were different in distinct seasons (all P<0.05). By using logistics regression analysis, season, age and sentinel hospital were the influencing factors of ALRTI virus infection in children (all P<0.05), and sentinel hospital and years were the influencing factors of ALRTI bacterial infection in children (all P<0.05). Conclusion Respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus and parainfluenza were the main causes of ALRTI virus infection in children aged 0-14 years in Gansu province, and the main bacterial infections were streptococcus pneumoniae and haemophilus influenzae, the number of virus infection was more than that of bacterial infection. Viral and bacterial infection had the same peak incidence.

Effectiveness and safety evaluation of oral cefixime and moxifloxacin fixed dose combination in lower respiratory tract infections

Background: Scientific literature advocates the need for combination therapies in combatting lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Cefixime (400 mg) and moxifloxacin (400 mg) fixed dose combination (FDC) is currently approved in India for the management of LRTI, but data related to its real world usage is lacking. The present study was designed to understand the real world use (effectiveness and safety) of this FDC in LRTI.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at out-patient departments of 5 hospitals between August 2018 and January 2019. After ethics committee approval, data of adults LRTI patients who received FDC of cefixime (400 mg) and moxifloxacin (400 mg) for at least 72 hours was collected. Improvement in LRTI symptoms (cough, sputum volume and purulence, fever, dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue) were scored at baseline and follow-up using a 5-point severity scale. White blood cell (WBC) counts at baseline and end-of-treatment were compared.Results: Data of 190 patients having mean age 42.33+16.15 years was evaluated. Majority were males (61.58%), with commonest LRTI infection being community acquired pneumonia (CAP) (84.21%). Commonest clinical symptom reported (97.37%) was cough. All patients showed improvement in symptoms and significant improvement in all mean symptom scores were noted (p<0.05). Of the 30 patients having WBC above normal range, 29 showed a decrease in count at end of treatment. No adverse events were reported.Conclusions: Oral FDC of cefixime (400 mg) and moxifloxacin (400 mg) was efficacious in improving all symptoms reported by LRTI patients without causing any adverse event.