Acute Respiratory Diseases Health Article

GLOBAL ASPECTS AND PROSPECTS OF PREVENTION

ARIs are a leading cause of death in children under age five in developing countries. While the viral agents occur in a similar pattern as in developed countries, it is certain bacteria, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, once prominent worldwide in lower respiratory infections, that are the causes of death. The likely scenario is that the viruses initiate the acute illness, followed by a superinfection caused by the bacteria. However, certain of the viruses, such as RSV, may alone be responsible for life-threatening illness. Antibiotics can be used to treat the bacterial infections, but resistance of S. pneumoniae, also called pneumococcus, is becoming widespread. Vaccines should be an important approach to control. A vaccine is already in use for H. influenzae type B, and conjugated vaccines are either licensed or being tested for S. pneumoniae. Vaccines, aside from influenza, have been more difficult to develop for the viral pathogens. RSV remains at the top of the priority list for development, but as yet no such vaccine is available.

ARNOLD MONTO

(SEE ALSO: Contagion; Influenza)

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