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J Pediatr Infect Dis 2021; 16(02): 067-073
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722569
Original Article

Correlation between Children Respiratory Virus Infections and Climate Factors

Souhir Saadi
1   Research Laboratory for “Epidemiology and Immunogenetics of Viral Infections,” Sahloul University Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
2   Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
,
Ouafa Kallala
1   Research Laboratory for “Epidemiology and Immunogenetics of Viral Infections,” Sahloul University Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
2   Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
,
Imene Fodha
1   Research Laboratory for “Epidemiology and Immunogenetics of Viral Infections,” Sahloul University Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
2   Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
,
Amira Jerbi
1   Research Laboratory for “Epidemiology and Immunogenetics of Viral Infections,” Sahloul University Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
2   Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
,
Meriem BenHamida-Rebai
1   Research Laboratory for “Epidemiology and Immunogenetics of Viral Infections,” Sahloul University Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
2   Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
,
Mouna Ben Hadj Fredj
1   Research Laboratory for “Epidemiology and Immunogenetics of Viral Infections,” Sahloul University Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
3   Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Kairouan, Kairouan, Tunisia
,
Hichem Ben Hamouda
4   Neonatology Ward, Tahar Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia
,
Jihen Mathlouthi
5   Neonatology Ward, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
,
Monia Khlifa
6   Pediatric Ward, Regional Hospital of Msaken, Sousse, Tunisia
,
Raoudha Boussofara
7   Pediatric Ward, Tahar Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia
,
Khadija Boussetta
8   Pediatric Ward, University Hospital of Children, Tunis, Tunisia
,
Saoussen Abroug
9   Pediatric Ward, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
,
Abdelhalim Trabelsi
1   Research Laboratory for “Epidemiology and Immunogenetics of Viral Infections,” Sahloul University Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
2   Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Objective Respiratory viruses are the most important cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in children. Meteorological factors can influence viral outbreaks. The objective of this study was to determine the association between climate variables and respiratory virus detection.

Methods Multicenter prospective 1-year surveillance was conducted among children hospitalized for LRTI in Tunisia. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were tested by direct immunofluorescence assay (DIFA) for the detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); adenovirus (AdV); influenza virus (IFV) A and B; and parainfluenza virus 1, 2, and 3 (PIV1/2/3). Samples were further analyzed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for the detection of human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Monthly meteorological data were determined by consulting the National Institute of Meteorology and the World Weather Online Meteorological Company websites. Pearson's correlation tests were used to determine the statistical association between the detection of respiratory viruses and climatic characteristics.

Results Among 572 patients, 243 (42.5%) were positive for at least one virus. The most frequently detected viruses by DIFA were RSV (30.0%), followed by IFVA (3.8%), IFVB (3.5%), PIV (0.9%), and AdV (0.9%). HMPV was detected in 13 RSV-negative samples (3.3%). Dual infections were detected in seven cases (1.2%). Monthly global respiratory viruses and RSV detections correlated significantly with temperature, rainfall, cloud cover, wind speed, wind temperature, and duration of sunshine. Monthly IFV detection significantly correlated with rainfall, wind speed, wind temperature, and duration of sunshine. HMPV detection significantly correlated with temperature and wind temperature.

Conclusion Respiratory viral outbreaks are clearly related to meteorological factors in Tunisia.

Keywords

respiratory virus - climatic factor - children - seasonality - lower respiratory tract infection


Publication History

Received: 22 July 2020

Accepted: 05 December 2020

Article published online:
04 February 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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