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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Otitis and respiratory distress episodes following a respiratory syncytial virus infection

D A Kafetzis1, H Astra, M Tsolia

  • 1Second Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, P. & A. Kyriakou Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece. kafetzis@ath.forthnet.gr

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|November 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) significantly contributes to acute otitis media (AOM) in hospitalized infants with respiratory distress. Recurrent respiratory distress did not correlate with RSV infection in this study.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Acute otitis media (AOM) and respiratory distress are common in young children.
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a frequent cause of respiratory illness in infants.
  • The relationship between RSV, AOM, and recurrent respiratory distress requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of AOM in children under two years old hospitalized for respiratory distress.
  • To assess the recurrence of respiratory distress in relation to RSV infection status.
  • To document these occurrences over two consecutive RSV seasons.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 347 children hospitalized for respiratory distress.
  • Daily evaluation for AOM during hospitalization.
  • Follow-up examinations at 6 weeks and 6 months post-discharge for AOM and respiratory distress recurrence.
  • RSV testing performed on all participants.

Main Results:

  • RSV was detected in 54.8% of the enrolled children.
  • AOM occurred more frequently in RSV-positive children during hospitalization (16.8%) compared to RSV-negative children (8.3%).
  • While AOM rates were higher in RSV-positive children early post-discharge, they were similar at 6 months; recurrent respiratory distress did not correlate with RSV status.

Conclusions:

  • RSV is a significant factor in the development of AOM in young children hospitalized with respiratory distress.
  • The study suggests no correlation between prior RSV infection and subsequent episodes of acute respiratory distress.
  • Longer-term follow-up is recommended to fully understand the implications of RSV infection.
Abstract

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