Comparisons between ethnic groups in hospitalizations for respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in Israel.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ethnic disparities have been shown in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis. However, it is unclear whether such differences are related to access to care. We compared demographic and clinical characteristics of Arab and Jewish children hospitalized for RSV bronchiolitis in Israel, a country with universal health insurance.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of all children (n = 309) aged less than 24 months who were hospitalized with RSV between 2008 and 2011 in one medical center in Israel. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data were collected. The RSV antigen was identified using immunochromatography.

Results

The annual incidence of RSV hospitalization was 5.4/1000 and 6.8/1000 among Arab and Jewish children, respectively.

SUBMITTER: Kassem E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6443173 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature