Viral Etiology and Epidemiology of Acute Respiratory Infections in Children in Nairobi, Kenya

D. T. G. Hazlett
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T. M. Bell Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

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P. M. Tukei Virus Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya

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G. R. Ademba Virus Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya

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W. O. Ochieng Virus Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya

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J. M. Magana Virus Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya

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G. W. Gathara Virus Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya

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E. M. Wafula Department of Paediatrics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

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A. Pamba Paediatric Observation Wards, Kenyatta Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

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J. O. Ndinya-Achola
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T. K. Arap Siongok Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.1988.39.632
Volume/Issue:
Volume 39: Issue 6
Page(s):
632–640
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Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is the most common cause of illness and death in young children worldwide. Because of inadequate laboratory facilities and financial resources the etiological agents responsible for most cases in developing countries remain unknown, thus obviating appropriate management. Therefore, an ARI program was commenced at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya in 1981 with the objectives of establishing the microbial causes, clinical presentations, and diagnoses of ARI in children under 5 years of age and of developing simple, rapid, and inexpensive diagnostic techniques

Viruses were demonstrated in 54% of the 822 children studied, but over half of the viruses identified were types not commonly associated elsewhere with the causation of severe ARI. Respiratory syncytial, parainfluenza, and adenoviruses occurred in the same age groups and during similar weather conditions as elsewhere. Measles virus occurred most frequently in those 7 to 9 months old. Herpes simplex, rhino-, and enteroviruses play causative roles in some cases of severe ARI in Kenyan children. A combination of immunofluorescent and cell culture techniques were shown to be essential for the detection of viruses.

Author Notes

Copyright:
Copyright 1988 © by The Animal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 1988
Published Online:
Dec 1988
Cover The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Print ISSN:
0002-9637
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