Postmortem Study of Cause of Death Among Children Hospitalized with Respiratory Illness in Kenya.

Show simple item record

dc.contributor.author Njuguna, HN
dc.contributor.author Zaki, SR
dc.contributor.author Roberts, DJ
dc.contributor.author Rogena, EA
dc.contributor.author Walong, E
dc.contributor.author Fligner, CL
dc.contributor.author Keating, MK
dc.contributor.author Gachii, AK
dc.contributor.author Maleche-Obimbo, E
dc.contributor.author Irimu, G
dc.contributor.author Mathaiya, J
dc.contributor.author Orata, N
dc.contributor.author Lopokoiyit, R
dc.contributor.author Michuki, J
dc.contributor.author Emukule, GO
dc.contributor.author Onyango, CO
dc.contributor.author Gikunju, S
dc.contributor.author Owuor, C
dc.contributor.author Muturi, PK
dc.contributor.author Bune, M
dc.contributor.author Gloria Carvalho, M
dc.contributor.author Fields, B
dc.contributor.author Mott, JA
dc.contributor.author Widdowson, MA
dc.contributor.author Chaves, SS
dc.date.accessioned 2024-07-10T09:13:43Z
dc.date.available 2024-07-10T09:13:43Z
dc.date.issued 2021-05
dc.identifier.uri https://doi.org/10.1097/inf.0000000000003159
dc.identifier.uri http://repository.kemri.go.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/682
dc.description.abstract Background: In resource-limited settings, acute respiratory infections continue to be the leading cause of death in young children. We conducted postmortem investigations in children <5 years hospitalized with a clinical diagnosis of respiratory disease at Kenya's largest referral hospital. Methods: We collected respiratory and other tissues postmortem to examine pathologic processes using histology, molecular and immunohistochemistry assays. Nasopharyngeal, trachea, bronchi and lung specimens were tested using 21-target respiratory pathogen real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays deployed on Taqman Array Cards. Expert panels reviewed all findings to determine causes of death and associated pathogens. Results: From 2014 to 2015, we investigated 64 pediatric deaths (median age 7 months). Pneumonia was determined as cause of death in 70% (42/52) of cases where death was associated with an infectious disease process. The main etiologies of pneumonia deaths were respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (n = 7, 19%), Pneumocystis jirovecii (n = 7, 19%), influenza A (n = 5, 14%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 5, 14%)-10% of cases had multi-pathogen involvement. Among the other 10 deaths associated with a nonpneumonia infectious process, 4 did not have an etiology assigned, the others were associated with miliary tuberculosis (2), cerebral thrombosis due to HIV (1), Enterobacteriaceae (1), rotavirus (1), and 1 case of respiratory infection with severe hypokalemia associated with RSV. Conclusions: In spite of well-established vaccination programs in Kenya, some deaths were still vaccine preventable. Accelerated development of RSV monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, introduction of seasonal influenza vaccination, and maintenance or improved uptake of existing vaccines can contribute to further reductions in childhood mortality. en_US
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher Pediatric infectious disease journal en_US
dc.title Postmortem Study of Cause of Death Among Children Hospitalized with Respiratory Illness in Kenya. en_US
dc.type Article en_US


Files in this item

Files Size Format View

There are no files associated with this item.

This item appears in the following Collection(s)

Show simple item record

Search DSpace


Advanced Search

Browse

My Account