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Ecology of Respiratory Virus Transmission: A Comparison of Three Communities in West Bengal^*

Frederik B. Bang, Molly G. Bang AND Betsy G. Bang

Respiratory virus transmission in children was studied comparatively in three ecologically different low-income communities in West Bengal: an isolated village, a suburban village, and a crowded urban community. Continued use of contaminated pond water for bathing, irrigation of nasal passages, post-defecation washing of the anus, and washing of food vessels was common to all, as was intense crowding of indoor sleeping quarters during cold and wet seasons. Intensity of infection was highest (26%) in the most crowded urban area, the variety of virus types least in the most isolated village. Sources of drinking water differed but seem unrelated to virus transmission. Toxigenic diphtheria organisms were found in non-specific skin lesions in children in each area.

Accepted for publication July 18, 1974.

^* Address reprint requests to: Dr. Frederik B. Bang, Department of Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.

Ms. Bang was responsible for the direct observations of and discussions with the people in each area. Her illustrations reflect the suggestions and cooperation of the residents in each locale.