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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

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Published on: December 10, 2013

Respiratory virus infections in children with cancer or HIV infection

María Carmen Mendoza Sánchez1, Jesús Ruiz-Contreras, José L Vivanco

  • 1Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda de Córdoba sn, 28041, Madrid, Spain.

Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
|May 9, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory virus infections pose a significant threat to immunocompromised children, particularly those with cancer or HIV. Many infections are hospital-acquired, highlighting the need for enhanced preventive measures.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Oncology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Bacterial infections are often the focus in immunocompromised children.
  • Respiratory virus infections can cause severe illness in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the clinical significance of respiratory virus infections in children with cancer or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records for children aged <=14 years with cancer or HIV.
  • Analysis of demographic data, clinical presentations, hospitalization rates, treatments, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 53 respiratory viral infections identified: 26 in HIV-infected children and 27 in children with cancer.
  • 20 infections (38%) were nosocomial. Common viruses included RSV, influenza A, adenovirus, and parainfluenza.
  • 33 children hospitalized; pneumonia occurred in 11. Two children with cancer died.

Conclusions:

  • Respiratory virus infections contribute to significant morbidity in children with cancer or HIV.
  • The high rate of hospital-acquired infections underscores the importance of isolation and prevention strategies.

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