STUDY OF VIRAL RESPIRATORY DISEASES IN CHILDREN IN RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD AREA

Abstract

The study was carried principally to isolate & identify various viral organisms associated with respiratory diseases in children. Acute respiratory diseases are very common throughout the year in our country and contribute to morbidity and probably to mortality. Viruses of various types are known to cause a wide range of acute respiratory infections ranging from mild colds and catarrh to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Bacteria & fungi also cause respiratory diseases incltding serious conditions such as otitis media and pneumonia. In one year period of study 1354 specimens of acute respiratory disease (ARD) were collected & processed in National Institute of Health. Most of the specimens were collected from out patient ward & indoor ward. Out of these 701 specimens were positive for bacterial agents while 447 were positive for viral agents. Of bacterial agents 102 specimens were of B-haemolytic & of much importance. These specimens were also tested for sensitivity to various antibiotics, commonly prescribed in our clinics. Erythromycin, Cloxallin, Cephalotin, Septran & Vibramycin found most effective as none of the specimen was found resistant against these drugs. On the other hand higher incidence of resistance was observed against Streptomycin (41.67%) & Tetracycline (29.41%). Of virus organisms, isolation of Influenza Virus Strain A/Bangkok/ 2/79 H3N 2 was of much significance as it has been isolated for the first time in Pakistan. Its isolation was communicated to WHO authorities & it has now been published in the report of W.H.O. Other viral agents like Echo-11, Rhino viruses, Enteroviruses & polioviruses were isolated from throat samples. 106 specimens are under process for virus isolations. Most of the samples await their isolation on Primary Monkey Kidney Cell cultures.