Early-life respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infection in a South African birth cohort: epidemiology and effect on lung health.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children. Early-life RSV LRTI might affect long-term health but there are few data from low-income and middle-income countries. We investigated the epidemiology and effect of early-life RSV LRTI on lung health in a South African birth cohort.

Methods

We conducted the Drakenstein Child Health Study (DCHS), an ongoing birth cohort longitudinal study in the Western Cape province, South Africa. We enrolled pregnant women aged 18 years or older during their second trimester of pregnancy at two public health clinics. We followed up study children from birth to 2 years. The primary outcome of the study was LRTI and RSV LRTI. LRTI and wheezing episodes were identified through

SUBMITTER: Zar HJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7511798 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature