ETIOLOGICAL SPECTRUM AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN PEDIATRIC POPULATIONS: A COMPREHENSIVE IMRAD-BASED STUDY

Abstract

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) remain one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Understanding the etiological agents responsible for these infections is crucial for improving diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic interventions, and preventive strategies. This study aims to analyze the spectrum of viral and bacterial pathogens causing ARIs in children, evaluate their clinical manifestations, and identify epidemiological patterns influencing disease severity. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving pediatric patients presenting with respiratory symptoms. Laboratory identification of pathogens was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), bacterial culture, and serological methods. The results demonstrated that viral agents, particularly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses, and rhinoviruses, accounted for the majority of cases, while bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were associated with more severe outcomes. The findings emphasize the importance of integrated diagnostic approaches and targeted public health interventions to reduce the burden of ARIs in children.