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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
[Epidemiological study on respiratory syncytial virus and its bronchopneumonia among children in Suzhou]
Xue-lan Zhang1, Wei Ji, Zheng-hua Ji
1Clinical Laboratory Children's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are common in young children, peaking in winter and spring. RSV bronchopneumonia is linked to lower cellular immunity, particularly in infants, highlighting the need for preventative measures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Context:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children.
- Understanding the epidemiological trends and associated immunological changes is crucial for effective disease management and prevention.
Purpose:
- To investigate the epidemiological patterns of RSV infections in children in Suzhou over a five-year period.
- To analyze the changes in cellular immunity in children diagnosed with RSV bronchopneumonia.
Summary:
- A study of 10,205 children revealed RSV positive rates ranging from 24.05% to 27.30% between 2001-2005, with peaks in spring and winter.
- RSV infection rates were significantly higher in infants aged 1-12 months and in boys.
- Patients with RSV bronchopneumonia exhibited lower levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and NK cells, and higher levels of CD19+ cells compared to controls.
Impact:
- The findings underscore the significant seasonal variations and age-related susceptibility to RSV infections.
- The observed alterations in cellular immunity highlight the immunological impact of RSV bronchopneumonia in young children.
- Emphasizes the importance of targeted preventive strategies for infants and further research into gender-based variations in RSV susceptibility.
Objective:
To probe the epidemiological trend of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and cellular immunological change of RSV bronchopneumonia among children in Suzhou in the past five years.
Methods:
10,205 children with acute respiratory tract infection from January 2001 to December 2005 were enrolled into the study. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from the respiratory tract by aseptic vacuum aspiration. Direct immuno-fluorescence assay was employed to detect seven kinds of virus antigens including RSV antigen. CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD16 and CD56 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 30 patients with RSV bronchopneumonia (1.5-24.0 months old group) were analyzed by flow cytometry analysis, and 15 normal infants (1.5-24.0 months old group) were enrolled as control group.
Results:
The annual positive rate of RSV was 24.94%, 25.83%, 24.05%, 25.39% and 27.30% respectively from 2001 to 2005. It also found that the peak season for RSV infection was spring or winter (January to March or November to December). The positive rate of RSV was significantly higher in 1-12 months old group than that in > 12 months old group (chi2 = 97.320, P < 0.01), as well as the groups between 1-12 months old (chi2 = 7.804, P < 0.05, the highest positive rate was occurred at 3-6 months old group). The positive rate of RSV was significantly higher in boys than that in girls (chi2 = 9.693, P < 0.01). The percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and NK (CD16 + 56)+ cells were significantly lower in RSV bronchopneumonia than those in control group (t = 3.199, P < 0.01; t = 2.215, P < 0.05; t = 2.619, P < 0.05 and t = 5.240, P < 0.01, respectively). While the percentage of CD19+ cells was significantly elevated in RSV bronchopneumonia than that in control group (t = 2.875, P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
RSV infection is of obvious seasonal changes. The younger the patient, the higher positive rates of RSV infection is, while and the cellular immunity function is lower. The effective measures for preventing RSV infection are important, especially for the infants. Further investigation is necessary to understand the causes of the variations for RSV infections between boys and girls.
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