Background Detection of respiratory viruses, IFN-alpha, gamma, s-IgA levels in the first 3 years old hospitalised children within 3 days of symptom onset.

Methods The human viruses were detected in nasal wash specimens obtained from 86 children by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), IFN-alpha, gamma, s-IgA plasma and nasal wash specimens levels, IFN-alpha, gamma induced production in vitro were investigated. The IFN-alpha production was induced by Newcastle disease virus, IFN-gamma production was induced by phytohemagglutinin.

Results Influenza virus B was detected in 35% investigations, A(H1N1) - 23%, A(H3N2) - 4%, Parainfluenza virus (PIV) - 5%, rhinoviruses (HRV) - 4%, metapneumovirus (HMPV) - 6%, bocavirus (HBoV) - 5%, Adenovirus (AdV) and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - 9%. Seasonal features were found: A(H1N1) dominated in March (66.7%), B - in June (77,8%), PIV was recorded in March only. HRV and RSV were noted as the longest circulation (from January to May), AdV, HBoV, HMPV were detected from March to June. The s-IgA decrease less than 1.5 mg/ml was found in 75.8% children in nasal wash specimens. Serum IFN-alpha, gamma were decreasing below a sensitivity threshold (less 2 pg/ml) in 67.7% and 69.4%, especially in influenza children and in ARTI complications. The nasal wash specimens INF-alpha, gamma levels less than 2 pg/ml were found in 38.7% and 48.4%. The IFN-alpha, gamma induced levels in vitro were lowered in 22.6% and 40.3%.

Conclusions Our data demonstrate the IFN-alpha, gamma deficit in children with ARTI. It contributes IFN-alpha, gamma replaceable therapy in infants especially. This is very necessary the ARTI seasonal prevention.