Respiratory syncytial virus infection in infants and correlation with meteorological factors and air pollutants

• Main Authors: Vandini Silvia (Author), Corvaglia Luigi (Author), Alessandroni Rosina (Author), Aquilano Giulia (Author), Marsico Concetta (Author), Spinelli Marica (Author), Lanari Marcello (Author), Faldella Giacomo (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most important cause of severe respiratory infections in infants with seasonal epidemics. Environmental factors (temperature, humidity, air pollution) could influence RSV epidemics through their effects on virus activity and diffusion.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a retrospective study on a paediatric population who referred to our Paediatric Emergency Unit in order to analyze the correlation between weekly incidence of RSV positive cases during winter season in Bologna and meteorological factors and air pollutants concentration.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We observed a significant correlation between the incidence of RSV infections and the mean minimum temperature registered during the same week and the previous weeks.</p> <p>The weekly number of RSV positive cases was also correlated to the mean PM₁₀ concentration of the week before.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>RSV epidemic trend in Bologna (Italy) is related to the mean minimum temperature, and the mean PM₁₀ concentration.</p>

Item Description

10.1186/1824-7288-39-1
1720-8424
1824-7288