Viral epidemiology of respiratory infections among children at a tertiary hospital in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: This study reports the pediatric epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (IF), parainfluenza (PIV), and adenovirus (ADV) at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Methods: Cases of infection, hospitalizations in intensive care units (ICUs), nosocomial infections, and lethality rates were collected from 2007 to 2010. Results: RSV accounted for most nosocomial infections. Intensive care units admission rates for ADV and RSV infections were highest in 2007 and 2010. During 2008-2009, H1N1 and ADV had the highest ICU admission rates. ADV had the highest fatality rate during 2007-2009. Conclusions: Each virus exhibited distinct behavior, causing hospitalization, outbreaks, or lethality.