Clinical characteristics and outcomes of influenza and other influenza-like illnesses in Mexico City

Arturo Galindo-Fraga, Ana A. Ortiz-Hernández, Alejandra Ramírez-Venegas, Rafael Valdez Vázquez, Sarbelio Moreno-Espinosa, Beatriz Llamosas-Gallardo, Santiago Pérez-Patrigeon, Maggie Salinger, Laura Freimanis, Chiung yu Huang, Wenjuan Gu, M. Lourdes Guerrero, John Beigel, Guillermo M. Ruiz-Palacios

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) are estimated to cause millions of deaths annually. Despite this disease burden, the etiologic causes of ILI are poorly described for many geographical regions. Methods: Beginning in April 2010, we conducted an observational cohort study at five hospitals in Mexico City, enrolling subjects who met the criteria for ILI. Evaluations were conducted at enrollment and on day 28, with the collection of clinical data and a nasopharyngeal swab (or nasal aspirate in children). Swabs were tested by multiplex PCR for 15 viral pathogens and real-time PCR for influenza. Results: During the first year, 1065 subjects were enrolled in this study, 55% of whom were hospitalized; 24% of all subjects were children. One or more pathogens were detected by PCR in 64% of subjects, most commonly rhinovirus (25% of all isolates) and influenza (24% of isolates). Six percent of subjects died, and of those, 54% had no pathogen identified. Rhinovirus was the most common pathogen among those who died, although it did not have the highest case fatality rate. Conclusions: Multiple respiratory viruses beyond influenza are associated with significant morbidity and mortality among adults and children in Mexico City. Detection of these agents could be useful for the adjustment of antibiotic treatment in severe cases.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)e510-e517
JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume17
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Coronavirus
  • Epidemiology
  • Hospital burden of disease
  • Influenza
  • Respiratory syncytial virus
  • Respiratory viral pathogens
  • Rhinovirus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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