2165. Surveillance of Severe Viral Respiratory Infections among Children Presenting to Hôpital Saint Damien in Haiti. (15th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Turner, Jasmine C M; Gassant, Pascale; Gautier, Jacqueline; Joseph, Marie Betanie; Gustinvil, Robens; Deroncelay, Alexandra; Dor, Vanessa; Lee, Natalie; Homsi, Maysam R; Webby, Richard; Caniza, Miguela A
• Is Part Of: Open forum infectious diseases. Volume 9:(2022)Supplement 2
• Publication Date: 2022-12-15
• Subjects: Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac492.1785
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2328-8957

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Learning the burden and seasonality of respiratory viral infections in children in resource-limited settings is critical for hospital infection care and prevention and national public health programs. We built a prospective surveillance program of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in hospitalized children at Hôpital Saint Damien - Nos Petits Frères et Soeurs to gather local evidence and support informed clinical and policy decision-making. The COVID-19 pandemic erupted as we were launching our project, requiring the use of available point-of-care diagnostics. Methods: Children < 18 years of age with cough, history of fever ≥ 38 C°, of < 10 days evolution, and requiring hospitalization were included in the study. We obtained a nasopharyngeal swab and collected demographic and clinical data for eligible patients. Samples were tested using antigen test on-site for influenza A (Flu A) and B (Flu B), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2. Afterwards, all specimens (both negative and positive) were stored and shipped for molecular studies. Results: We obtained and tested 167 samples from patients since April 30, 2021, through January 31, 2022. Single isolates were detected in 88 samples (53%), multiple isolates in 20 samples (12%), and no isolates in 59 samples (35%). Positive cases for RSV, Flu A, and Flu B peaked between November and January. Rhinovirus 1A (RhV) was detected throughout the study period, with peaks around August-September and was the most often detected viral isolate (49, 38%), followed by RSV (37, 29%). Co-infections were seen with RSV, Flu A, RhV, and SARS-CoV-2. Molecular studies detected 7 isolates of Flu A not detected by rapid test, 1 isolate of Flu B, and 1 isolate of SARS-CoV-2. However, it failed to detect 2 isolates of Flu A detected by rapid test, 1 isolate of Flu B, and 1 isolate of SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion: Our study captured circulating respiratory viruses in children with SARI in Haiti during the COVID-19 pandemic. Preliminary data suggest an increase in respiratory viruses between August and January. Improving point-of-care diagnostics can better inform providers of the local epidemiology of respiratory viruses and support clinical decision-making, such as good use of antibiotics. However, we confirmed the sensitivity of molecular testing. Disclosures: All Authors : No reported disclosures.