Genetic Variability of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Latin America
Author Information
Author(s): Sovero Merly, Garcia Josefina, Kochel Tadeusz, Laguna-Torres V. Alberto, Gomez Jorge, Chicaiza Wilson, Barrantes Melvin, Sanchez Felix, Jimenez Mirna, Comach Guillermo, de Rivera Ivette Lorenzana, Arango Ana E., Agudo Roberto, Halsey Eric S.
Primary Institution: United States Naval Medical Research Unit 6, Lima, Peru
Hypothesis
What is the genetic diversity of circulating strains of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in Central and South America?
Conclusion
The study found that both HRSV-A and HRSV-B strains circulated in Latin America, with HRSV-A being more prevalent and associated with greater disease severity.
Supporting Evidence
- 296 HRSV positive samples were detected from 15,875 collected.
- 22.6% of HRSV-infected patients were hospitalized.
- HRSV-A resulted in greater disease severity than HRSV-B.
- Co-infections with other viruses were found in 6.4% of HRSV positive samples.
- Both HRSV-A and HRSV-B strains circulated in Latin America during the study period.
Takeaway
This study looked at a lot of samples from kids in Latin America to see how different types of a virus called HRSV were spreading. They found that one type was more common and made kids sicker than the other.
Methodology
The study involved collecting 15,875 pharyngeal swabs from participants with respiratory symptoms and identifying HRSV positive samples through immunofluorescence and sequencing.
Limitations
The study relied on immunofluorescence for HRSV detection, which may not be the most sensitive method.
Participant Demographics
95% of HRSV positive samples came from participants younger than 15 years old, with an average age of 1.2 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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