[Viral respiratory infections in small children in the season in the season 1996-1997].

Using the immunofluorescence method, the etiology of virus respiratory infection was assayed in children aged 0-2 years, hospitalized because of respiratory diseases in the epidemic season 1996-1997. Data obtained were compared with those from the preceding season (1995-1996), as well as, from the 10 preceding seasons (1985-1995). In the season under study, participation of respiratory viruses was a little higher in the infections to be hospitalized.

Fecal alpha-1-antitrypsin excretion in children with diarrhea.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the concentration and immunoelectrophoretic characterization of alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) excreted in random fecal samples in children with acute and chronic diarrhea and in control groups.

Methods: Thirty-two children with diarrhea and 23 healthy children were evaluated. The concentration and characterization of AAT were determined by radial immunodiffusion and crossed immunoelectrophoresis, respectively.

[Viral respiratory infections detected in small children in 1995-1996].

As in previous studies we used the fluorescent antibody technique to determine the aetiology of viral respiratory infections in small children who were hospitalized in the epidemic season 1995-96. Data obtained from this study were compared with the results from the previous season (1994-95) and with the results from preceding ten seasons (1985-95). No variation in aetiology of infections was found although a higher occurrence of adenoviruses was uncovered amongst the 1995-1996 group.

[Breast feeding for prevention of viral acute respiratory diseases in infants].

The incidence of acute viral respiratory diseases (confirmed by immunofluorescence test) was compared in a group of 159 infants aged 0-9 months breast-fed at least once daily and in a group of 608 infants of similar age and hospitalization duration receiving only artificial food. The incidence was significantly lower in breast-fed infants (p = 0.00057), especially in the first trimester of life (p = 0.

[The incidence of virus respiratory infections in small children in the season 1994-95].

As previously, by antibody fluorescent technique the etiology of viral respiratory infections was determinated in small children hospitalized because of respiratory disease in the epidemic season 1994-95. Data obtained were compared with the results from the preceding season. Among a total of 371 patients, virus infection was detected in 170 (45,8%).