Pathogens Causing Respiratory Tract Infections in Children Less Than 5 Years of Age in Senegal

Knobbe, Rebecca B; Diallo, Abdallah; Fall, Amary; Gueye, Aida D; Dieng, Assane; van Immerzeel, Tabitha D; Ba, Abou; Diop, Amadou; Diop, Abdoulaye; Niang, Mbayame; Boye, Cheikh SB

In all cases and controls, oropharyngeal samples were collected. All samples were analysed by the biotechnology unit of the laboratory of bacteriology of University Hospital Aristide Le Dantec and by the virology unit of Pasteur Institute. The samples were stocked and transported following the protocols. For bacterial samples, bacteria were isolated from appropriate culture media. Morphological, cultural, and biochemical or antigenic characters were studied. Strains were determined and Knobbe et al 3 considered for infection if the bacterial load was at least 10 5 CFUs/mL. All samples were tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a Bio-Ras CFX-96 thermo cycler and the FTD Respiratory pathogens 33 (Fast-track diagnostics), capable of detecting 21 viruses and 12 bacteria (Supplement 1). In addition, blood samples were collected in cases and CRP and leucocytes were determined by the laboratory of IPS. C-reactive protein was determined using the CRP Latex Kit 850A (Lorne Laboratories, Berkshire, UK).