Kaat Ramaekers1, Els Keyaerts2, Annabel Rector3, Annie Borremans4, Kurt Beuselinck5, Katrien Lagrou6, Marc Van Ranst7. 1. Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven. Herestraat 49 box 1040, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: kaat.ramaekers@kuleuven.be. 2. Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven. Herestraat 49 box 1040, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium; University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: els.keyaerts@kuleuven.be. 3. Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven. Herestraat 49 box 1040, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: annabel.rector@kuleuven.be. 4. University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: annie.borremans@uzleuven.be. 5. University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: kurt.beuselinck@uzleuven.be. 6. University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: katien.lagrou@kuleuven.be. 7. Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven. Herestraat 49 box 1040, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium; University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: vanranstmarc@gmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) are a major health problem, especially in young children and the elderly. OBJECTIVES: Insights into the seasonality of respiratory viruses can help us understand when the burden on society is highest and which age groups are most vulnerable. STUDY DESIGN: We monitored six respiratory viruses during five consecutive seasons (2011-2016) in Belgium. Patient specimens (n=22876), tested for one or more of the following respiratory viruses, were included in this analysis: Influenza viruses (IAV & IBV), Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), Adenovirus (ADV) and Human parainfluenza virus (hPIV). Data were analysed for four age categories: <6y, 6-17y, 18-64y and ≥65y. RESULTS: Children <6y had the highest infection rates (39% positive vs. 20% positive adults) and the highest frequency of co-infections. hRSV (28%) and IAV (32%) caused the most common respiratory viral infections and followed, like hMPV, a seasonal pattern with winter peaks. hRSV followed an annual pattern with two peaks: first in young children and ±7 weeks later in elderly. This phenomenon has not been described in literature so far. hPIV and ADV occurred throughout the year with higher rates in winter. CONCLUSIONS: Children <6y are most vulnerable for respiratory viral infections and have a higher risk for co-infections. hRSV and IAV are the most common respiratory infections with peaks during the winter season in Belgium.
BACKGROUND: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) are a major health problem, especially in young children and the elderly. OBJECTIVES: Insights into the seasonality of respiratory viruses can help us understand when the burden on society is highest and which age groups are most vulnerable. STUDY DESIGN: We monitored six respiratory viruses during five consecutive seasons (2011-2016) in Belgium. Patient specimens (n=22876), tested for one or more of the following respiratory viruses, were included in this analysis: Influenza viruses (IAV & IBV), Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), Adenovirus (ADV) and Human parainfluenza virus (hPIV). Data were analysed for four age categories: <6y, 6-17y, 18-64y and ≥65y. RESULTS:Children <6y had the highest infection rates (39% positive vs. 20% positive adults) and the highest frequency of co-infections. hRSV (28%) and IAV (32%) caused the most common respiratory viral infections and followed, like hMPV, a seasonal pattern with winter peaks. hRSV followed an annual pattern with two peaks: first in young children and ±7 weeks later in elderly. This phenomenon has not been described in literature so far. hPIV and ADV occurred throughout the year with higher rates in winter. CONCLUSIONS:Children <6y are most vulnerable for respiratory viral infections and have a higher risk for co-infections. hRSV and IAV are the most common respiratory infections with peaks during the winter season in Belgium.
Authors: Susana Monge; Janneke Duijster; Geert Jan Kommer; Jan van de Kassteele; Thomas Krafft; Paul Engelen; Jens P Valk; Jan de Waard; Jan de Nooij; Annelies Riezebos-Brilman; Wim van der Hoek; Liselotte van Asten Journal: Influenza Other Respir Viruses Date: 2020-05-14 Impact factor: 4.380