Open AccessHuman parainfluenza virus in patients with influenza‐like illness from C entral and S outh A merica during 2006–2010
Author(s) -
Villaran Manuel V.,
García Josefina,
Gomez Jorge,
Arango Ana E.,
Gonzales Marina,
Chicaiza Wilson,
Alemán Washington,
Lorenzana de Rivera Ivette,
Sanchez Felix,
Aguayo Nicolas,
Kochel Tadeusz J.,
Halsey Eric S.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
influenza and other respiratory viruses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.743
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1750-2659
pISSN - 1750-2640
DOI - 10.1111/irv.12211
Subject(s) - virology , microbiology and biotechnology , virus , human parainfluenza virus , covid-19 , influenza a virus , medicine , biology , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty) , pathology
Background Human parainfluenza viruses ( HPIV s) are common viral causes of community‐acquired pneumonia, particularly in children. The four types of HPIV have world‐wide distribution; however, limited information exists about the epidemiological profile of HPIV in L atin‐ A merica. Objective Provide epidemiologic and phylogenetic information about HPIV s that circulated in L atin A merica between 2006 and 2010 to better characterize the extent and variability of this respiratory virus in the region. Methods Oropharyngeal swabs, demographic data and clinical characteristics were obtained from individuals with influenza‐like illness in 10 L atin‐ A merican countries between 2006–2010. Specimens were analyzed with culture and molecular methods. Results A total of 30 561 individuals were enrolled; 991 (3·2%) were HPIV positive. Most infected participants were male (53·7%) and under 5 years of age (68·7%). The HPIV type most frequently isolated was HPIV ‐3 (403, 40·7%). In 66/2007 (3·3%) hospitalized individuals, HPIV was identified. The most frequent symptoms at enrollment were cough and rhinorrhea. We identified certain patterns for HPIV ‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 in specific cities. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a homogeneous distribution in the region. Conclusions In the current scenario, no vaccine or treatment is available for this pathogen. Our results contribute to the scarce epidemiologic and phylogenetic information of HPIV in the region that could support the development of specific management.