![]() | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Viral agents are the most common causes of lower respiratory tract infection in children, with the most common are Respiratory syncytial virus, Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Influenza and Parainfluenza viruses. Due to the use Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and of Hemophilus influenzae type b, Staphylococcus- Aureus and H. influenzae non-type b are emerging as the most common bacterial organisms. In low- and middle-income countries, other bacterial organisms are reported such as Klebsiella -Pneumoniae and E-coli and Bordetella-Pertussis. Most common symptoms of COVID-19 in children are fever, cough, dyspnea, anosmia and gastrointestinal symptoms. Some children may require pediatric intensive care unit admission and invasive mechanical ventilation. Aim of the work: To detect the most common viral and bacterial agent causing cute lower respiratory tract infection in children in the era of COVID-19. Method: A prospective study was conducted in 100 patients from October 2020 to September 2021 in pediatric wards and intensive care units of children hospitals of Cairo university and 6th October health insurance hospital. Respiratory samples were taken from patients then viral PCR and routine bacterial culture were done. Results: Influenza B is the most common pathogen followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and SARS CoV 2. Conclusions: Viral agents are the most common pathogen causing acute lower respiratory tract infection in children under 5 years old |