Abstract:
The study was carried principally to isolate &
identify various viral organisms associated with respiratory
diseases in children. Acute respiratory diseases are very
common throughout the year in our country and contribute
to morbidity and probably to mortality. Viruses of various
types are known to cause a wide range of acute respiratory
infections ranging from mild colds and catarrh to severe
bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Bacteria & fungi also cause
respiratory diseases incltding serious conditions such as
otitis media and pneumonia. In one year period of study 1354
specimens of acute respiratory disease (ARD) were collected
& processed in National Institute of Health. Most of the
specimens were collected from out patient ward & indoor ward.
Out of these 701 specimens were positive for bacterial agents
while 447 were positive for viral agents. Of bacterial agents
102 specimens were of B-haemolytic & of much importance.
These specimens were also tested for sensitivity to various
antibiotics, commonly prescribed in our clinics. Erythromycin,
Cloxallin, Cephalotin, Septran & Vibramycin found most effective
as none of the specimen was found resistant against these
drugs. On the other hand higher incidence of resistance was
observed against Streptomycin (41.67%) & Tetracycline (29.41%).
Of virus organisms, isolation of Influenza Virus Strain A/Bangkok/
2/79 H3N 2 was of much significance as it has been isolated
for the first time in Pakistan. Its isolation was communicated
to WHO authorities & it has now been published in the report of
W.H.O. Other viral agents like Echo-11, Rhino viruses, Enteroviruses & polioviruses were isolated from throat samples.
106 specimens are under process for virus isolations. Most
of the samples await their isolation on Primary Monkey Kidney
Cell cultures.
