Özet:

Viral etiological agents are commonly encountered in lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) that comprise the most common infectious disease group of childhood. These agents include Influenza, Parainfluenza, Adenoviruses and Respiratory syncitial viruses (RSV). Recently, new etiological agents such as metapneumovirus, avian influenza A, H5N1 and SARS coronaviruses have been detected in children with LRTI findings. Metapneumovirus, which is an RNA virus member of the Paramyxovirus family, is commonly encountered in tropical countries during spring and summer. It might present with symptoms involving both upper and lower respiratory tract. Coronaviruses that are RNA viruses present commonly with LRTIs but rarely may cause upper respiratory tract findings. SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome) belongs to the corona virus family. Polyomaviruses that are small DNA viruses cause a wide spectrum of clinical findings that range from aseymtpomatic infection to severe LRTI findings. Bocaviruses from Parvovirus family are other LRTI etiologic agents. Influenza viruses are LRTI agents that may lead to epidemics and pandemics due to their different serotypes like H1N1 and H5N1. In conclusion, clinical findings and prognosis of LRTIs, though usually nonspecific, depend on the etiological agent. Therefore, further research is required to identify prevalence and incidence of these etiological agents

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