Respiratory viruses in acute respiratory infections among hospitalized children in Macau

Background: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Children are the most susceptible group. The epidemiological profile of respiratory viruses in local region is necessary for the management of ARI. However, limited data are available in Macau._ Furthermore, the frequent incidences of multiple viral infection and the difficulties in establishing precise viral etiology of coinfection pose a challenge to medical treatment, control and prevention. Objectives: The aim of the study is to explore the viral etiology, seasonality, susceptible groups and to assess disease severity of viral coinfection of ARI among hospitalized children in Macau, to provide a scientific basis for diagnosis, treatment, control and prevention. Methods: A 3 years retrospective analysis of medical records carried out in Kiang Wu Hospital, Macau. Children aged under 14 years, hospitalized for acute respiratory infection (ICD9 460-466, ICD: International Classification of Diseases, version 9) and its subcategory influenza and pneumonia (ICD 480-478) were recruited. In additional, their laboratory diagnostic test results of detected respiratory virus infection using multiplex PCR were collected. Results and conclusion: In this study, among the 1388 hospitalized children with ARI in Macau Kiang Wu Hospital from 2012 to 2014, 923 cases (66.5%) of children were positive for at least one viral pathogens, 804 (87.1%) were