EPIDEMIOLOGY OF RESPIRATORY PATHOGENS IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION IN UKRAINE DURING 2018-2020 YEARS

The aim: Is to provide data on the presence of potential pathogens of ARTIs in children in Ukraine. Materials and methods: The etiology of ARTIs was investigated in 487 children in MC ‘Eurolab’, Kyiv, Ukraine during 2018-2020 years. Seven respiratory viruses – Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV), Parainfluenza virus (PIV), Adenovirus (AdV), human Metapneumovirus (MPV), Rhinovirus (RV), human Bocavirus (BoV), Coronavirus (CoV), were identified by PCR. Qualitative detection of Influenza type A, type B, Group A Streptococcal was performed by chromatographic immunoassay. Pathogens profiles, clinical characteristics and seasonality were analyzed. Results: 487 nasal and throat swabs from children with ARVI were collected. 400 (82,1%) samples were found to be positive: 319 swabs were positive at least for one respiratory virus, 43 children had positive rapid influenza test, 38 – positive strep test. A total of 403 viruses were identified. RV (27,1%), ADV (13,4%), RSV (13,2 %), IVA (10,7 %) were the most commonly identified viruses. Conclusions: Detection of viral seasonality in Ukraine and estimating of clinical features in case of infection allows predicting probable clinical course of disease, to provide, optimize the therapy and to develop preventive measures, vaccination, in particular.