[Aetiology of bronchiolitis in hospitalised children in South-East Spain].

BACKGROUND

Bronchiolitis is the most common respiratory disease in children under 2 years-old and a major cause of hospitalization in young children, especially during the winter.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and etiology of bronchiolitis in south-east of Spain.

STUDY

DESIGN

A prospective study was conducted during the bronchiolitis season (December-April). Children below 18 months-old admitted to the hospital for a first bronchiolitis episode were included. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were analysed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) respiratory syncytial virus.

RESULTS

A total of 235 children were included during this period, and 235 RT-PCR were performed. A total of 287 viruses were detected in nasopharyngeal aspirates from 204 infants. Respiratory syncytial virus was the virus detected more frequently, followed by rhinovirus. Co-infections were found in the 36% of children.

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory viruses were detected in most of the children below 18 months-old hospitalised with bronchiolitis, and 36% of them showed a mixed infection.