Viral agents in children under five years of age with the diagnosis of acute LRti

Objective: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are the leading cause of mortality among children under 5 years old all around the world. This study aimed to determine the viral agent in children under five years of age with the diagnosis of acute LRTI . Material and Methods: Nasopharyngeal swab samples were taken from children diagnosed LRTI between the ages of 1 month and 5 years, at Bezmialem Vakif University Pediatric Emergency Department between 1st March 2015-January 31,2016. Patients with chronic diseases were excluded from the study. Agents in the samples was investigated with real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Distribution of cases is investigated according to age groups and seasons. Correlation between clinical and laboratory findings and agents is evaluated. Results: 95 patients included in the study. 51 ( 53.7 %) are male and 44 ( 46.3 %) are female and the mean age was 26.3 months. 45% of cases have used antibiotic before application. Cough (100% ) and grunting (70% ) are the most common symptoms. Average leukocyte count is 11,600 / mm3, CRP is 2.84 mg / dL. The most common chest X-ray findings are hyperinflation and interstitial infiltration (33% and 27%). The presence of viral agents are shown in 51 cases (53,6 %). The most frequently detected viruses are rhinovirus (22% ), human bocavirüs ( HBoV ) (21%) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (19% ) respectively. The most common agent is HBoV(26%) in the first year of life and rhinovirus in 13-60 months old. Multiple viral agents are found in 10 patients and viruses are associated with HBoV most frequently. Respiratory syncytial virus are mostly seen in the winter and HBoV is found throughout the year. There is no significant correlation between clinical and laboratory findings and agents. Conclusion: Viruses are the most common agents that found at LRTI. The agents vary according to age groups and the seasons. Clinical and laboratory findings are not sufficient to distinguish between virusesl and viral-bacterial coenfections. Key words: Lower respiratory tract infection, polymerase chain reaction, viral infections