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Atypical pathogens and asthma: can they influence the natural history of the disease?

F Blasi1, R Cosentini, P Tarsia

  • 1Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Milan, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Milano, Italy. francesco.blasi@unimi.it

Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease = Archivio Monaldi Per Le Malattie Del Torace
|October 23, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory infections, especially viral ones, are linked to asthma attacks in children and adults. Research suggests atypical bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae may also contribute to asthma development and exacerbations.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Respiratory infections have been associated with asthma exacerbations since the 1970s.
  • Viral upper respiratory tract infections are known triggers in both pediatric and adult asthma.
  • Emerging evidence implicates atypical pathogens, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae, in asthma attacks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of respiratory infections, particularly viral and atypical pathogens, in asthma exacerbations.
  • To explore the potential involvement of atypical agents in the pathogenesis of chronic asthma.
  • To highlight the need for further research on antibiotic treatment's impact on asthma's natural course.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on respiratory infections and asthma.
  • Analysis of evidence from pediatric and adult populations.
  • Inclusion of in vitro and animal model data on atypical pathogen involvement.

Main Results:

  • Viral infections are established triggers for asthma exacerbations.
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae are increasingly recognized in acute asthma attacks.
  • In vitro and animal studies suggest atypical agents may influence asthma pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Respiratory infections, including viral and atypical bacterial types, play a significant role in asthma exacerbations.
  • Atypical pathogens may contribute to the underlying mechanisms of asthma.
  • Further investigation is needed to ascertain if targeted antibiotic therapies can modify asthma progression.

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