Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

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

Epidemiology of respiratory viruses in children admitted to an infant/toddler unit

Aaron M Milstone1, Trish M Perl, Alexandra Valsamakis

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. amilsto1@jhmi.edu

American Journal of Infection Control
|September 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated common respiratory viruses in infants and toddlers to prevent hospital-acquired infections. It revealed a significant, unrecognized reservoir of viruses in children lacking typical respiratory symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Hospital Epidemiology

Background:

  • Nosocomial respiratory virus transmission poses a significant risk to vulnerable infant and toddler populations.
  • Early identification and prevention of viral spread in healthcare settings are crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of common respiratory viruses in a cohort of infants and toddlers.
  • To assess the extent of the unrecognized viral reservoir in asymptomatic children within this cohort.
  • To inform strategies for preventing nosocomial respiratory virus transmission.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive testing strategy was implemented for infants and toddlers.
  • Viral prevalence was assessed in symptomatic and asymptomatic children.
  • Data analysis focused on identifying common respiratory pathogens and their transmission potential.

Main Results:

  • Common respiratory viruses were prevalent in the infant/toddler cohort.
  • A notable proportion of children without apparent respiratory symptoms carried and potentially shed viruses.
  • Findings highlight the challenge of preventing nosocomial transmission due to asymptomatic carriers.

Conclusions:

  • Asymptomatic children represent a significant, unrecognized reservoir for respiratory viruses in pediatric settings.
  • Current prevention strategies may need to account for asymptomatic viral shedding.
  • Further research is needed to refine interventions targeting viral transmission in this age group.

More Related Videos

Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses11:48

Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses

Published on: April 4, 2019

An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Micro-neutralization Assay09:14

An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Micro-neutralization Assay

Published on: January 26, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Influenza01:27

Influenza

Influenza is an acute, highly communicable viral disease that affects the respiratory tract and is responsible for seasonal epidemics worldwide. Influenza A is the most prevalent type associated with widespread outbreaks and is subtyped based on two surface glycoproteins: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), as in H1N1. These glycoproteins are essential for viral infectivity, transmission, and immune recognition. Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets and contaminated...
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.