[Viruses and bacteria in the etiology of acute respiratory tract infections in young children]

Abstract

Respiratory infections in small children are among the major problems in paediatrics. They are caused most frequently by viruses or bacteria. The role played by certain types of respiratory viruses in these infections is discussed, considering selected subgroups of children and the seasonal incidence of infections. The usefulness of certain virological investigations in clinical diagnosis is analysed. In the description of bacterial respiratory infections in small children attention is called also to certain bacteria belonging to opportunistic commensals and the importance of anaerobes. The main stress is laid on infections of newborns and infants which may be connected with the transfer of pathogens from mothers. Attention is called to the necessity of close monitoring of the aetiological factors of acute respiratory infections in the youngest children which could increase the accuracy of therapeutic management and prophylactic measures which should be regarded as a very important factor in the control of these infections.