Viral etiology in hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infection in the Kegalle area of Sri Lanka

Acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide including Sri Lanka. This study was undertaken to determine the viral causes and clinical manifestations of ARTI in pre-school children (Age <= 3 years) from the Kegalle area of the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) from 98 children <= 3 years presenting with ARTI were tested by indirect (screening) and direct (typing) immunofluorescence assay for the presence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A and B, parainfluenza viruses 1, 2 and 3 and adenoviruses. A respiratory virus was detected in 32.3% of cases: RSV 90%, parainfluenza type 2 virus 6% and influenza virus 4%. Detection of RSV was associated with severe cases of bronchiolitis requiring hospitalization. These findings show the importance of viral pathogens in ARTI in pre-school children in Sri Lanka and highlight the diversity of viral pathogens detected in this age group.