A Prospective Three-Year Cohort Study of the Epidemiology and Virology of Acute Respiratory Infections of Children in Rural India
2007

Study of Respiratory Infections in Children in Rural India

Sample size: 281 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Broor Shobha, Parveen Shama, Bharaj Preeti, Prasad Velisetty S., Srinivasulu Kavalu N., Sumanth Krishna M., Kapoor Suresh Kumar, Fowler Karen, Sullender Wayne M.

Primary Institution: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India

Hypothesis

What is the epidemiology and virology of acute respiratory infections in children in rural India?

Conclusion

RSV, influenza A, and parainfluenza virus 3 are significant causes of acute respiratory infections among children in rural India.

Supporting Evidence

  • 1307 ARIs were recorded during the study.
  • RSV was found in 30% of the children.
  • Severe ALRI was more commonly caused by RSV than by other viruses.
  • Incidence rates of ARI were comparable to other developing countries.
  • 42% of samples revealed the presence of more than one viral antigen.

Takeaway

This study looked at sick kids in rural India and found that certain viruses make them very sick. Knowing this helps in making vaccines.

Methodology

A prospective longitudinal study followed children from two rural villages in India for the development of acute respiratory infections.

Limitations

The study was limited to two villages and may not represent all rural areas in India.

Participant Demographics

The study included 281 infants, with a mean age of 1.4 months at enrollment, and a demographic of lower socioeconomic status.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI reported for incidence rates

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0000491

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