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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
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Published on: December 10, 2013

High torquetenovirus loads are correlated with bronchiectasis and peripheral airflow limitation in children

Massimo Pifferi1, Fabrizio Maggi, Davide Caramella

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. m.pifferi@med.unipi.it

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|August 31, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Torquetenovirus (TTV) infection is highly prevalent in children with bronchiectasis. Higher TTV loads correlate with increased bronchiectasis severity and reduced lung function, particularly in peripheral airways.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Viral Infections
  • Respiratory Diseases

Background:

  • Recurrent lower respiratory tract infections and bronchiectasis are significant health concerns in children.
  • Torquetenovirus (TTV) is a common human virus with largely unknown clinical implications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of TTV infection in children diagnosed with bronchiectasis.
  • To investigate the relationship between TTV viral loads and the severity of bronchiectasis.
  • To assess the correlation between TTV loads and pulmonary function tests in affected children.

Main Methods:

  • High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was used to assess bronchiectasis severity in 38 children.
  • Plasma samples were analyzed for TTV DNA detection and quantification.
  • Spirometry was performed in 21 of the subjects to evaluate lung function.

Main Results:

  • TTV infection was detected in 81.6% (31/38) of the pediatric patients.
  • A significant positive correlation was observed between TTV viral loads and bronchiectasis severity (r = 0.548; P = 0.01).
  • TTV loads showed a significant inverse correlation with measures of airflow limitation, including FEF25-75% and FEF25-75%/FVC (P < 0.018).

Conclusions:

  • TTV infection is highly prevalent in children suffering from bronchiectasis.
  • Elevated TTV viral loads are associated with increased bronchiectasis severity.
  • TTV infection correlates with airflow limitation in the peripheral airways and reduced overall lung function in children with bronchiectasis.
Abstract

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