Prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus infection and associated factors in children aged under five years with severe acute respiratory illness and influenza-like illness in Ethiopia

Adamu Tayachew; Gizaw Teka; Ayele Gebeyehu; Wolde Shure; Mengistu Biru; Leuleseged Chekol; Tsegaye Berkessa; Eyasu Tigabu; Lehageru Gizachew; Admikew Agune; Melaku Gonta; Aster Hailemariam; Ergetu Gedefaw; Adane Woldeab; Ayinalem Alemu; Yimam Getaneh; Leuel Lisanwork; Kalkidan Yibeltal; Ebba Abate; Aschalew Abayneh; Mesfin Wossen; Mesay Hailu; Firehiwot Workineh

doi:10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.01.004

Prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus infection and associated factors in children aged under five years with severe acute respiratory illness and influenza-like illness in Ethiopia

IJID Reg. 2024 Jan 17:10:191-196. doi: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.01.004. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Authors

Adamu Tayachew^{1

2}, Gizaw Teka¹, Ayele Gebeyehu¹, Wolde Shure¹, Mengistu Biru¹, Leuleseged Chekol³, Tsegaye Berkessa¹, Eyasu Tigabu³, Lehageru Gizachew³, Admikew Agune¹, Melaku Gonta¹, Aster Hailemariam¹, Ergetu Gedefaw¹, Adane Woldeab^{1

3}, Ayinalem Alemu¹, Yimam Getaneh¹, Leuel Lisanwork³, Kalkidan Yibeltal², Ebba Abate³, Aschalew Abayneh¹, Mesfin Wossen¹, Mesay Hailu¹, Firehiwot Workineh²

Affiliations

¹ Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
² Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa.
³ The Ohio State University Global One Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Objectives: Acute respiratory infections because of respiratory syncytial viruses (RSVs) are among the major leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. RSV prevalence and its contributing factors among children aged under 5 years in Ethiopia are not well studied. To assess the prevalence and associated factors of RSV infection in children aged under 5 years using influenza sentinel surveillance sites in Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used utilizing influenza-like illness/sever acute respiratory illness surveillance data from January 2021 to December 2022 at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute.

Results: In total, 2234 cases were included, with an overall RSV positivity rate of 16.2%. The RSV positivity rate was high in children aged under 1 year (22.8%) and during fall season (24.8%). The RSV positivity rate was significantly associated with ages under 1 year (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.89-4.15) and 1-2 years (AOR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.26-2.73) and the fall season (AOR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.17-2.38).

Conclusion: The study revealed that a considerably high RSV positivity rate was detected in children aged under 5 years. The age of children and season have a significant association with RSV positivity rate. Further studies of RSV viral genotype, clinical characteristics, and disease outcome need to be conducted for a better understanding of the virus and disease outcome.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Ethiopia; RSV; SARI/ILI; Surveillance.