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Respiratory infections and asthma.
Girolamo Pelaia1, Alessandro Vatrella, Luca Gallelli
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Italy.
Respiratory Medicine
|November 18, 2005
Summary
Respiratory infections from viruses and atypical bacteria contribute to asthma development and exacerbations. These microbes impact immune pathways, worsening asthma in susceptible individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Respiratory tract infections are linked to asthma pathogenesis.
- Viruses like RSV, rhinovirus, and influenza can trigger asthma symptoms and exacerbations.
- Atypical bacterial infections, including Chlamydiae and Mycoplasms, also play a role in asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of viral and atypical bacterial infections in asthma.
- To understand how these infections contribute to asthma development and exacerbations.
- To investigate the immunological mechanisms involved.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on respiratory infections and asthma.
- Analysis of the impact of specific viruses and bacteria on asthma phenotypes.
- Examination of immunological pathways affected by these microbes.
Main Results:
- Viruses (RSV, rhinovirus, influenza) can promote asthma expression and exacerbations.
- Atypical bacteria (Chlamydiae, Mycoplasms) are implicated in airway colonization and infection in asthma.
- Microbial agents likely modulate immune responses contributing to asthma.
Conclusions:
- Viral and atypical bacterial infections are significant factors in asthma pathogenesis.
- These infections can trigger or worsen asthma in genetically predisposed individuals.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for asthma management.