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Abstract

Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVIs) are the most common cause of mortality and morbidity among children globally, and respiratory diseases are one of the most important public health issues in Kyrgyzstan. This paper aims to retrospectively assess the incidence, clinical features and diagnostic processes of ARVIs in children below 14 years of receiving treatment at the Osh City Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kyrgyzstan between 2021 and 2024. 2334 pediatric cases were reviewed and nasopharyngeal swabs were analysed using multiplex RT-PCR for viral detection. Of the cases analysed, 58.35% were diagnosed in 2023, and the highest incidence was observed among males (52.5%) and children below five years of age (70.5%). In 602 viral confirmed cases, Influenza A virus was the most common pathogen 40.45%, Influenza B virus was 14.39%, and rhino/enterovirus was 4.84%. A concern is that over 30% of ARI cases were treated with antibiotics even though the majority had a viral cause. Lack of access to advanced laboratory tests was a diagnostic challenge in rural healthcare settings and contributed to inappropriate antibiotic use. This study therefore calls for improved diagnostic algorithms, easier and more equitable access to laboratory services, and greater compliance with the antibiotic management programme in Kyrgyzstan. These measures are crucial for the control of pediatric AR burden through potable health interventions, improving vaccination coverage, and managing healthcare inequities in rural areas‎.

Keywords: Acute respiratory infections, Pediatric health, Kyrgyzstan, Antibiotic stewardship, Viral pathogens

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