The Frequency and Clinical Features of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Among Infants Hospitalized with the Diagnosis of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency and clinical features of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection among infants hospitalized with the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between 1 December 2012 and 1 March 2013 in our pediatric clinic. A total of 170 children between 1-24 months of age with lower respiratory tract infection were included. Their clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed retrospectively. The detection of RSV antigen was carried out by immunoassay method on nasopharyngeal swabbing samples. Results: RSV infection was determined in 37.1% of the patients. RSV (+) patients under the age of 6 months was statistically significantly higher than RSV (-) patients. In RSV (+) and RSV (-) patients there was no statistically significantly difference in gender, infiltration in chest radiography, C-reactive protein positivity, white blood cell count, platelets, insufficient breast feeding, three or more than three siblings, history of upper respiratory tract infection in the family, maternal and family smoke exposure. Conclusions: In this study, patients between 1-24 months of the age admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections, that highly consistent with the literature (37.1%) were RSV infection. In the determination of RSV infection, taking the necessary measures in isolation of this infection provide access block transmission between patients and contribute reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics.