P-34 Epidemiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection in Children in Barbados (2009 - 2019)
Author(s):
A Kumar , K Krishnamurthy , M Gittens-St. Hilaire , K Douglas , S Mehta , K Dabburu , M Sundaram
Year of Presentation:
2025
Objective: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive
analysis of the epidemiology of SARI in children under the
age of 16 years in Barbados between 2009 and 2019.
Methods: This presentation is part of a prospective longterm audit of hospitalization from acute respiratory diseases among children. Data for the severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) were collected from multiple sources including the public health laboratory reports and the pediatric admission register at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). The study period spans from January 2009 to December 2019.
Results: From 2009 to 2019, there were a total of 2,156 pediatric admissions for SARI at QEH. The mean annual admission for SARI stood at 196. The average annual incidence rate for SARI admission was 4.1 per 1,000 children aged 0-15 years. Among the 2,156 pediatric cases, viral pathogens were identified in 378 (17.5%) cases. Influenza A (H1N1) in 117 cases and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 81 cases being the most prevalent. Other viruses detected included influenza B (58 cases), parainfluenza (61 cases), Human Metapneumovirus (21 cases) and adenovirus (41 cases). Bacterial pathogens were identified in a smaller proportion of cases. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the leading bacterial pathogen followed by Staphylococcus aureus.
Conclusion: The epidemiology of SARI in children in Barbados between 2009 and 2019 reflects patterns observed globally, with viral pathogens such as influenza and RSV being predominant, seasonal peaks during the wet season, and a higher burden on younger children.