Frequency of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Positivity in Children Aged Less Than Two Years Admitted with Bronchiolitis

Uzma Meer; Komal Riaz; Aleeza Shahid; Affia Altaf; Saba Mustafa; Rabia Munir

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i3.2264

Authors

Uzma Meer Department of Paediatrics, Hameed Latif Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Komal Riaz Seafarer Clinic, Sharjah, UAE
Aleeza Shahid Department of Paediatrics, Al-Mustafa Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Affia Altaf Iffat Anwar Medical Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
Saba Mustafa Punjab Rangers Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Rabia Munir Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), Faisalabad, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i3.2264

Keywords:

Bronchiolitis, Respiratory syncytial virus, Infants, Frequency, Pediatrics

Abstract

Background: Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants and young children, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the most common etiological agent. Objective: To determine the frequency of respiratory syncytial virus positivity in children aged less than two years admitted with bronchiolitis. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Hameed Latif Hospital, Lahore, from 14 Dec 2024 to 14 June 2024. A total of 100 children aged 1–24 months admitted with bronchiolitis were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Demographic and clinical details were recorded, and severity was assessed using the Wood-Downes Clinical Scoring System modified by Ferres. Cotton swab samples were obtained and tested for RSV antigen using Mouse Monoclonal anti-RSV Antibody (Novatetra) and Goat Anti-Mouse Antibody conjugated with FITC. Results: Out of the 100 children included, the mean age was 9.8 ± 5.6 months, with 58% males and 42% females. RSV positivity was detected in 16% of cases. Infants younger than six months showed higher RSV positivity (22.5%) compared to those aged 6–24 months (11.7%) (p = 0.04). RSV was most frequently observed during winter (25.0%) compared to autumn (10.7%) and spring (4.2%) (p = 0.03). Conclusion: It is concluded that RSV is a significant contributor to bronchiolitis in children under two years, particularly in those younger than six months and during the winter season.

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