Dubai Medical Journal
ISSN: 2571-726X
Pioneering research in medicine, health sciences, nursing, pharmaceuticals, and laboratory work
Patterns of Viral Pathogens Causing Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children Under 13 Years Old: A Retrospective Analysis
Published date: Oct 30 2024
Journal Title: Dubai Medical Journal
Issue title: Dubai Medical Journal (DMJ): Volume 7 Issue 1
Pages: 24–38
Authors:
Abstract:
Background: Respiratory viral infections strain healthcare globally, accounting for 15% of encounters in the UAE. However, seasonal prevalence in the region remains unclear. This hospitalbased study aims to understand viral causes of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children under 13, focusing on influenza and RSV.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review at Hatta Hospital in Dubai, collecting data from pediatric patients under 13 years old with URTI diagnoses from 2022 to 2023. Nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were analyzed using a multiplex chain reaction (mPCR) assay to identify viral pathogens. Data were collected from the hospital’s emergency department, walk-in clinic, and admitted patients.
Results: During the study period, 2714 samples were analyzed, with 1870 (69%) testing positive for any respiratory pathogen. Most infected individuals were males (56.7%), aged between 1 and 3 years (37.9%). Single viral infections were predominant (85.3%), with 27.3% attributed to Human Enterovirus/Rhinovirus, 26.6% to Influenza A, and 10.2% to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The RSV season was observed to span from August to December, peaking in October, while Influenza A had semi-seasonal peaks in June and October. Hospital admissions varied significantly between single (21%) and multiple viral infections (27%). Of 340 children hospitalized with single viral infections, 28.2% were infected with Human Enterovirus/Rhinovirus, 16.7% with RSV, and 13.5% with Influenza A.
Conclusion: The study provides insights into viral epidemiology among children in the UAE, highlighting the high prevalence and seasonal peaks of viral pathogens. Awareness of these trends can reduce unnecessary streptococcal testing and antibiotic overuse. Understanding the seasonal patterns aids in optimizing prophylactic measures and vaccination strategies for RSV and influenza, benefiting high-risk infants and children.
Keywords: Hatta Hospital, seasonality, respiratory tract infections, prevalence, influenza, RSV, vaccination
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