Frequency of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 in Children Under Five Years of Age with Acute Respiratory Infection Referred to Tabriz Children's Hospital

Abstract

Acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) is the leading reason for illness in children that threatens their health. Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are among the most common etiologic causes associated with viral respiratory tract infection in children worldwide. Nevertheless, limited information is available on the infections of these two viruses in northwest Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 children (under five years old) who had shown ARTI symptoms were recruited at the time of hospitalization from Tabriz Children's Hospital. Nasopharyngeal and throat swabs were collected from each patient by qualified medical personnel. Specimens were delivered to a virology laboratory via a cold chain and stored at −80 °C before analysis. At the first viral RNA was extracted from all samples. Following that, complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis was performed. Finally, the nested RT-PCR technique tested all specimens for two respiratory viruses, including HPIV-3 and RSV. Results: Of 100 enrolled children, 44 (44%) were girls, and 56 (56%) were boys. The age distribution of the study population was as follows: less than 12 months (53.0%), 13–36 months (33.0%), and 37–60 months (14.0%). Respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus type 3 were detected in 18% and 2% of children, respectively. Ten patients (55.6%) of RSV-positive samples were boys, and eight patients (44.4%) were girls. PIV‐3 was found in only two boys (100%). Most patients 11 (61.1%) of RSV positive were observed in less than 12 months. Also, two of the samples were positive for HPIV-3 that in less than 12 months of age. In this study, there was no significant association between RSV infection and HPIV-3 infection with patients' age.