Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

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
[New respiratory viruses in children 2 months to 3 years old with recurrent wheeze]
Alberto F Maffey1, Carolina M Venialgo, Paola R Barrero
1Centro Respiratorio, Hospital de Niños Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez.
Insights
Respiratory viruses are common in infants and young children with recurrent wheeze, often leading to hospitalization. Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Rhinovirus were the most prevalent, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Respiratory viruses frequently trigger exacerbations in infants and children.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is common in infants, while Rhinovirus affects children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of respiratory viruses in young children with recurrent wheeze.
- To identify common viral pathogens in hospitalized infants and children experiencing bronchial obstruction.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, cross-sectional study included 119 children (2 months to 3 years) with recurrent wheeze and asthma risk factors.
- Respiratory samples were analyzed using immunofluorescence and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for viral detection.
- Detected viruses included Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Rhinovirus, Metapneumovirus, Influenza A, Enterovirus, Bocavirus, Adenovirus, Coronavirus, and Parainfluenza.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of respiratory viruses was found, with 86% of patients testing positive.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (43%) and Rhinovirus (23%) were the most common viruses detected.
- Coinfections were observed in 25% of cases, with single infections in 75%.
Conclusions:
- Infants and young children hospitalized for bronchial obstruction with recurrent wheeze exhibit a high prevalence of respiratory viruses.
- Viral circulation peaked during specific months, correlating with hospital admission rates.
- These findings underscore the significant role of respiratory viruses in pediatric recurrent wheeze and asthma.
Introduction:
Respiratory viruses are associated with respiratory exacerbations, more frequently Respiratory Syncytial Virus in infants and Rhinovirus in children.
Objective:
To evaluate the prevalence and epidemiological features of newer and traditional respiratory viruses in infants and young children with recurrent wheeze.
Material And Methods:
Cross sectional, prospective and descriptive study. Patients with recurrent wheeze and risk factors for asthma, age 2 months to 3 years, hospitalized with bronchial obstruction were included. On admission a respiratory sample was obtained through a nasopharyngeal aspirate. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza 1, 2, 3 and Influenza A and B. Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to detect Rhinovirus, Enterovirus, Metapneumovirus, Bocavirus, Adenovirus and Coronavirus.
Results:
119 patients (61 female), age (x E DS) 1.5 E 0.9 years were included. Days on admission and on oxygen requirement were, respectively (x E DS): 6.3 E 2.9 y 4.4 E 2.7. One hundred and two (86%) positive cases were diagnosed. Fifty five percent of the viruses were detected by Immunofluorescence and 45% by Polymerase Chain Reaction. A single virus was present in 75% of the samples, 22% had a double co-infection and 3% a triple virus co-infection. Overall, the prevalence of detected respiratory viruses was: Respiratory Syncytial Virus 55 (43%); Rhinovirus 30 (23%); Metapneumovirus 13 (10%); Influenza A 8 (6%); Enterovirus 6 (5%); Bocavirus 6 (5%); Adenovirus 4 (3%); Coronavirus 3 (2%); Parainfluenza 1: 2 (1%); Influenza B, 1 (1%) and Parainfluenza 3: 1 (1%).
Conclusions:
Infants and young children with recurrent wheeze and risk factors for asthma hospitalized for bronchial obstruction present a high prevalence of respiratory viruses. Hospital admissions were more frequent during months of higher respiratory circulation.
Related Concept Videos
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Common Respiratory Disorders
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
Asthma I: Introduction
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
