Human coronaviruses in persons with acute respiratory infections in Ghana

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) remain a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and economic loss globally. Until recently, human coronaviruses (HCoVs) have been mainly associated with mild respiratory tract infections. The 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), since 2012, illustrate the potential of coronaviruses to cause severe disease. Objective: This study investigated the presence of human coronaviruses in acute respiratory illness in Ghana. Methods: As part of routine influenza surveillance, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal (NP/OP) swabs obtained from 200 patients (100 hospital inpatients and 100 outpatients) with Influenza-like-illness from sentinel health facilities in Ghana from January 2013 to March 2014, were screened for the presence of HCoVs at the National Influenza Center using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays. Results: Human CoVs were detected in 7(3.5%) out of 200 cases investigated: HCo V HKU1 in 3 patient, HCo V 229E in 2 patients, HCo V OC43 in 1patient, and HCo V NL63 in 1 patient. No co-infection with HCoV types was detected. Out of 7 patients with HCoV infections, 6 were aged 5 yr. or greater.Also, HCoVs were detected more frequently in outpatients (5/100) than in hospitalized patients (2/100) with acute respiratory tract infections, though statistically insignificant (p>0.005). None of the respiratory specimens tested were positive for MERS-CoV, indicating the absence of MERS-CoV infection in Ghana between January 2013 and March 2014. Conclusion: This work provides an important reference point for coronavirus infections in humans in Ghana noting the current concern on the 2019 novel coronavirus.

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First Detection of Human Coronavirus HKU1 in Greece, in an Immunocompromised Patient With Severe Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Acta medica Lituanica ◽

10.15388/amed.2021.28.1.21 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 21

Author(s):

Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou ◽

Georgios Petsinis ◽

Konstantinos Mantzouranis ◽

Christos Damaskos ◽

Despoina Melemeni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Lower Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Respiratory Illness ◽

Human Coronavirus ◽

First Case ◽

Syncytial Virus ◽

Tract Infections

Human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1) is a RNA virus which gets in the human cells by binding to the receptor of N-acetyl-9-O-acetylneuraminic acid. Human Coronaviruses (HCoVs), including HCoV-HKU1, are globally found. HCoV-HKU1 is responsible for upper and lower respiratory tract infections, usually with mild symptoms. In severe cases, HCoV-HKU1 can cause life-threatening respiratory illness especially in vulnerable hosts such as elderly, children and immunocompromised patients. In Greece, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza are the most common viruses causing respiratory tract infections. Traditionally, HCoVs are responsible for less than 3% of respiratory infections in Greek population. HCoVs 229E and OC43 have been shown to circulate in Greece. We report the first case of lung infection in an immunocompromised woman due to HCoV-HKU1, that has never been before detected in Greece. HCoV-HKU1 is related to severe disease even in healthy individuals and must be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe respiratory infections.

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Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and Weaning Status of Infants Admitted in Selected Hospitals of Rajshahi- A Case Control Study

TAJ Journal of Teachers Association ◽

10.3329/taj.v32i1.42740 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 70-81

Author(s):

Farhana Yasmin ◽

Md Jawadul Haque

Keyword(s):

Infectious Diseases ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Breast Feeding ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Case Control ◽

Case Group ◽

Acute Respiratory Infections ◽

Wide Range ◽

Tract Infections

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) include upper respiratory tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections. Infections of the respiratory tract are perhaps the most common human ailment. While they are a source of discomfort, disability and loss of time for most adults, they are a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in young children. ARI may cause inflammation of the respiratory tract anywhere from nose to alveoli, with a wide range of combination of symptoms and signs. ARI in children is most common among others because heir constant contact with other kids who could be virus carriers. Children often don’t wash their hands regularly. They are also more likely to rub their eyes and put their fingers in their mouths, resulting in the spread of viruses. For prevention of malnutrition and infection of child breast feeding is an important determinant of child health in the prevention of malnutrition and infection but in many cultures other food was introduced years before the cessation of breast feeding. In Bangladesh, many infectious diseases such as diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections are the main cause of mortality and morbidity in infants aged less than one year. The importance of breast feeding in the prevention of infectious diseases during infancy is well known. Objective: In this study our main objective is to evaluate the association between ARI of infant and weaning status of infants admitted in selected Hospitals of Rajshahi. Study place and Method: This study provided a wide range of information regarding ARI and weaning status of infants admitted in selected hospitals of Rajshahi and from the surroundings. This was a case control type of study. A total of 230 caregiver or mothers were interviewed. Result & discussion: It was found that the relationship between weaning status of infants and occurrence of ARI was statistically significant (p<0.001). It was showed that majority of the babies of the case group were weaned by Cow’s milk and within the control group by mashed rice. The association between occurrence of ARI and type of weaning food was statistically significant (p<0.001). It was also found that majority of the babies living in rural areas developed ARI and also within the case group majority (29.6%) of the babies who were not exclusively breast fed developed ARI and the association between occurrence of ARI and EBF was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our study suggests that proportion of ARI is more among the infants who were weaned earlier. TAJ 2019; 32(1): 70-81

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Role of Human Coronaviruses in Acute Respiratory Infections and Seroprevalence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in children

10.51429/ejmm29409 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol EJMM29 (4) ◽

pp. 65-73

Author(s):

Ghada A. Fahmy ◽

Dina M. Erfan ◽

Sondos M. Magdy ◽

Rania A. Hassan

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Age Group ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Pediatric Age Group ◽

Human Coronaviruses ◽

Tract Infections ◽

Low Prevalence

Background: Coronaviruses have been the focus of many studies since the emergence of SARS-CoV. Data on the role of MERS-CoV in respiratory tract infection and the seroprevalence of MERS-CoV in Egypt are limited. Objective: This study aimed to determine the role of coronaviruses in respiratory tract infections and the seroprevalence of MERS-CoV in pediatric age group. Methodology: Respiratory samples were collected from 80 children with respiratory infections for detection of coronaviruses using PCR technique. Serum samples were collected from 200 children for detection of MERS-CoV IgG immunolglobulins. Results: 4 out of 80 (5%) of the respiratory samples tested positive for coronavirus (OC43 subtype). None of respiratory samples tested positive for MERS-CoV, while MERS-CoV IgG was detected in 1% of serum samples.Conclusion: A low prevalence of coronaviruses was observed in children with respiratory infection. A seroprevalence of 1% MERS-CoV was detected. Further studies are recommended on larger scale.

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Acute Respiratory Infections in Children: Etiology and Epidemiology

Pediatrics in Review ◽

10.1542/pir.9.5.135 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 135-146

Author(s):

Floyd W. Denny

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Antimicrobial Agents ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Acute Respiratory Infections ◽

Causative Agents ◽

Complete Discussion ◽

Major Factors ◽

Tract Infections ◽

Microbial Agents

Acute respiratory infections are the most common affliction of humans, and their tendency to occur with much greater frequency in children makes them especially important to the pediatrician. A host of microbial agents can cause acute respiratory infections but only a few are responsive to antimicrobial agents. Because of the paucity of definitive laboratory tools that allow the easy recognition of the cause of acute respiratory infections, it is important for the practicing pediatrician to have other methods that aid in the clinical management of children with these infections. It is the purpose of this review to discuss the etiology and epidemiology of acute respiratory infections with emphasis on how this knowledge can guide the clinician in their management. The groundwork for the major emphasis of the paper will be laid by suggesting a classification of upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Causative agents will be enumerated and put into perspective. The major factors associated with the occurrence of acute respiratory infections will be discussed in some detail and several risk factors will be evaluated. It is important for the reader to understand that the field of acute respiratory tract infections is so extensive and complex that a complete discussion of the entire field is not possible in this review.

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Clinical, epidemiological and etiological features of severe acute respiratory infections in hospitalized patients

Infekcionnye bolezni ◽

10.20953/1729-9225-2021-1-64-70 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 64-70

Author(s):

S.S. Smirnova ◽

◽

E.V. Lelenkova ◽

A.Yu. Markaryan ◽

I.V. Vyalykh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Hospitalized Patients ◽

Influenza Viruses ◽

Acute Respiratory Infections ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Infections ◽

Tract Infections

Objective. To study the clinical, epidemiological and etiological characteristics of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in in-patients in Ekaterinburg during the epidemic season 2017–2018. Patients and methods. 403 individual medical records were studied. Etiological decoding was carried out by isolating RNA or DNA of respiratory viruses from nasopharyngeal swabs by polymerase chain reaction. Results. SARI in hospitalized patients were caused by both influenza viruses (В Yamagata – 25.2% and А(H1N1)pdm09 – 11.0%) and viruses of non-influenza etiology (respiratory syncytial virus (RS-virus) – 13.3%, rhinovirus – 12.9%, metapneumovirus – 11.0%). It was found that viruses were more often secreted in children than in adults; among children of the younger age group (0–2 years old) viruses of non-influenza etiology were detected significantly more often, and in children 7–14 years old, influenza viruses were more often isolated. Patients with upper respiratory tract infections were significantly more likely to have influenza viruses (78.9%) than patients with lower respiratory tract infections (21.1%). Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the importance of hospital surveillance for SARI from the point of view of the etiological diagnosis of respiratory infections, the study of epidemiology and typical clinical manifestations for the timely diagnosis and development of additional preventive and anti-epidemic measures. Key words: hospital surveillance, influenza, PCR diagnostics, respiratory infections, epidemiology, etiology

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Role of natural and synthetic immunotropic agents in the prevention of acute respiratory infections

Infekcionnye bolezni ◽

10.20953/1729-9225-2020-3-131-138 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 131-138

Author(s):

G.G. Maryin ◽

◽

A.V. Tutelyan ◽

O.A. Gruzdeva ◽

Yu.A. Goloverova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽

Economic Damage ◽

Acute Respiratory Infections ◽

Nonspecific Resistance ◽

Poor Outcomes ◽

Tract Infections

Respiratory tract infections (influenza, acute respiratory infections (ARIs), community-acquired pneumonia, etc.) pose a serious threat to organized groups (including military personnel, cadets, students of military universities, and schools). The most common complication of ARI is community-acquired pneumonia, severe forms of which may result in an unfavorable outcome. The use of some drugs, such as Carmolis ensures a 2.0–3.8 times reduction in the incidence of ARIs in organized groups and a 2.3–3.0 times reduction in the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia. Carmolis has a pronounced non-specific protective effect and increases resistance to respiratory tract infections by promoting nonspecific resistance of the organism. This prevents significant economic damage and reduces the number of complications and poor outcomes. Keywords: organized groups, biological and social emergencies, respiratory tract infections, community-acquired pneumonia, acute respiratory infections, coronavirus infection, Carmolis, non-specific resistance, non-specific prevention of acute respiratory infections, epidemiological effectiveness

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Tonsillopharyngitis 1994

Pediatrics in Review ◽

10.1542/pir.15.5.185 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 15 (5) ◽

pp. 185-191

Author(s):

Floyd W. Denny

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Antimicrobial Agents ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Acute Respiratory Infections ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Major Factors ◽

Tract Infections

Acute infections of the upper respiratory tract, including those of the tonsils and pharynx, are the most common affliction of humans; their tendency to occur with much greater frequency in children makes them especially important to the pediatrician. A host of microbial agents can cause these infections, but only a few are responsive to antimicrobial agents. Because of the paucity of definitive laboratory tools that allow easy recognition of the cause of most acute respiratory infections, it is important for the practicing pediatrician to have other methods to aid in the clinical management of children who have these infections. This review will discuss the etiology and epidemiology of acute respiratory infections that involve primarily the tonsils and pharynx, with emphasis on how this knowledge can guide clinicians in their management. The groundwork for this approach will be laid by suggesting a classification of upper respiratory tract infections that involve the tonsils and pharynx. Causative agents will be enumerated and put into perspective. The major factors associated with the occurrence of acute upper respiratory tract infections will be discussed. Finally, treatment of the patient who has tonsillopharyngitis will be presented. Uncomplicated acute tonsillopharyngitis will be emphasized primarily and the role of complications only mentioned.

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Rational Antibiotic Therapy of Acute Respiratory Infections in Outpatient Practice

Family Medicine ◽

10.30841/2307-5112.6.2016.249499 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 64-69

Author(s):

Uliana Chulovska ◽

Olha Tolokh

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Antibiotic Therapy ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Macrolide Antibiotics ◽

Pharmacokinetic Parameters ◽

Acute Respiratory Infections ◽

Antimicrobial Spectrum ◽

Outpatient Practice ◽

Tract Infections

The choice of optimal antibiotic therapy in acute respiratory infections is an important and responsible job physician outpatient practices. Macrolide antibiotics are the drugs of choice in many cases of infectious diseases of the respiratory system. Antimicrobial spectrum, pharmacokinetic parameters and safety profile of spiramycin, classic representative of 16-membered macrolides, allow you to use it successfully for the treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections.

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Study of the Etiology of Acute Respiratory Infections in Children Under 5 Years at the Dr. Agostinho Neto Hospital, Praia, Santiago Island, Cabo Verde

Frontiers in Pediatrics ◽

10.3389/fped.2021.716351 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Wilson Correia ◽

Roberto Dorta-Guerra ◽

Mitza Sanches ◽

Carmen de Jesús Borges Almeida Semedo ◽

Basilio Valladares ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Acute Respiratory Infections ◽

Cabo Verde ◽

Etiological Agents ◽

Tract Infections ◽

Santiago Island ◽

Children Under 5

Background: Acute respiratory infections are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years in developing countries and are a challenge for the health system of these countries. In Cabo Verde, despite the lack of recent studies, data indicate that it affects thousands of children, being the fourth leading cause of infant mortality in 2013. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the etiological agents associated with acute respiratory tract infections in children under 5 years old, and their associated risk factors, such as clinical symptoms or socio-demographic characteristics.Methods: Naso-pharyngeal samples were collected from children under 5 years attending at Dr. Agostinho Neto Hospital (Praia, Santiago Island, Cabo Verde) with suspected ARI at different time-points during 2019. Samples were analyzed using FilmArray® Respiratory Panel v. 2.0 Plus to identify etiological agents of ARI. A questionnaire with socio-demographic information was also collected for each participant. Data analyses were carried out using the IBM SPSS version 25 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY) and R 3.5.1 statistical software.Results: A total of 129 naso-pharyngeal samples were included in the study. Seventeen different etiologic agents of respiratory infections were identified. HRV/EV was the most frequent agent detected, followed by FluA H3 and RSV. Coinfection with two or more pathogens was detected in up to 20% of positive samples. The results were analyzed in terms of age-group, sex, period of the year and other social and demographic factors.Conclusion: Viruses are the main causative agents of ARI in children <5 years attending at the pediatrics service at the Dr. Agostinho Neto Hospital in Praia city, Santiago Island, Cabo Verde. Some factors are described in this study as statistically associated with the presence of an infectious agent, such as having one or more children sharing the bedroom with an adult and the presence of some clinical symptoms. The data addresses the need for studies on respiratory tract infections in Cabo Verde.

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Prevention of bacterial respiratory tract infections in children

Medical Council ◽

10.21518/2079-701x-2016-1-74-77 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 74-77

Author(s):

I. M. Melnikova ◽

Y. L. Mizernitskiy

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Clinical Effectiveness ◽

Acute Respiratory Infections ◽

Bacterial Extract ◽

Modern Methods ◽

Prevention And Treatment ◽

Analytical Review ◽

Tract Infections

The analytical review is devoted to modern methods of immunotherapy of respiratory infections in childhood. The article provides literature data and the authors' findings related to the evaluation of clinical effectiveness of the bacterial extract Broncho-Vaxom in the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory infections in children.

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