The viral etiology of acute respiratory infections in children in Uganda.

The role of viruses in respiratory diseases of young children in Uganda was studied. A viral etiology was established in 36% of the infections investigated. The most important pathogens were found to be respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza viruses, which were responsible for 26% of infections investigated. They caused both upper and lower respiratory tract diseases. There was little or no seasonal variation in the etiology of these infections. Adenoviruses were found to be less important and were etiologically related to only 4% of respiratory disease cases. Influenza viruses and enteroviruses were also found to be associated with respiratory infections. However, they were less frequent and their role was insignificant. The role of multiple virus infections was also insignificant.