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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

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

Respiratory syncytial virus, human bocavirus and rhinovirus bronchiolitis in infants

F Midulla1, C Scagnolari, E Bonci

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00165 - Rome, Italy. midulla@uniroma1.it

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|October 14, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of infant bronchiolitis, but human bocavirus (hBoV) and rhinovirus (RV) also contribute. Disease severity and outcomes can vary based on the specific virus or co-infections identified.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection in infants.
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the primary etiological agent.
  • The role of other viruses like human bocavirus (hBoV) and rhinovirus (RV) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of 14 viruses in hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis.
  • To compare demographic and clinical characteristics of infants infected with RSV, hBoV, and RV.
  • To assess the impact of viral type and co-infections on disease severity.

Main Methods:

  • 182 infants under 12 months hospitalized for bronchiolitis were enrolled.
  • Nasal washes were analyzed for 14 different viruses using molecular methods.
  • Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, including severity scores and hospitalization duration.

Main Results:

  • A virus was detected in 57.2% of infants; RSV (41.2%), hBoV (12.2%), and RV (8.8%) were most common.
  • Dual RSV and hBoV infections were associated with higher severity scores and longer hospital stays compared to single infections.
  • Rhinovirus infection correlated with elevated blood eosinophil counts.

Conclusions:

  • While RSV is the leading cause of infant bronchiolitis, hBoV and RV are significant contributors.
  • The specific virus or combination of viruses identified influences the clinical presentation and severity of bronchiolitis.
  • Understanding viral etiology is crucial for managing pediatric respiratory infections.
Abstract

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