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[Two cases of asthmatic exacerbation caused by parainfluenza virus 3 infection]

Shiho Akazawa1, Hiroto Matsuse, Sachiko Saeki

  • 1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan.

Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi = the Journal of the Japanese Respiratory Society
|April 30, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Parainfluenza virus (PIV) 3 is a significant cause of adult asthma exacerbations, particularly during summer. Early detection and steroid treatment are key for managing PIV 3-induced asthma flare-ups.

Area of Science:

  • Respiratory medicine
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Viral respiratory infections commonly trigger asthma exacerbations.
  • Detection of specific viruses in adult asthma exacerbations is often challenging.

Observation:

  • Two adult asthma patients experienced exacerbations during summer 2002 following upper respiratory symptoms.
  • Parainfluenza virus (PIV) 3 RNA was detected in both patients via RT-PCR.
  • Significant increases in serum antibody titers against PIV 3 were observed.

Findings:

  • Asthma exacerbations in both cases were diagnosed as PIV 3 infections.
  • Treatment with systemic steroids proved effective for both patients.
  • PIV 3 infections accounted for approximately half of summer asthma exacerbations with respiratory symptoms in the outpatient clinic.

Implications:

  • PIV 3 should be considered an important viral etiology for adult asthma exacerbations, especially during summer months.
  • This highlights the need for viral diagnostics in managing adult asthma flares.
  • Understanding viral triggers can improve targeted treatment strategies for asthma patients.

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