Pediatric chronic lower respiratory disorders: microbiological and immunological phenotype

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Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

S Bugin1, F Lunardi, F Bertuola

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|September 22, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory viruses, particularly rhinovirus, are frequently found in children with recurrent/chronic lower respiratory disorders (R/CLRDs). These viral infections correlate with increased airway inflammation and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The role of infectious agents in pediatric recurrent/chronic lower respiratory disorders (R/CLRDs) requires further elucidation.
  • While studied in acute conditions, their impact on chronic respiratory issues in children is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of viral infections in children diagnosed with R/CLRDs.
  • To investigate the correlation between detected viral infections and clinical and biohumoral parameters.

Main Methods:

  • Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis were performed on 80 children with R/CLRDs.
  • BAL fluid was analyzed for cellular counts, inflammatory mediators (eosinophil cationic protein-ECP, interleukin-IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-TNFα), and pathogens (viruses, bacteria).

Main Results:

  • Viral genomes were identified in 62.5% (50/80) of children, with rhinovirus being the most common (52% of viral cases).
  • Children with viral infections showed higher percentages of BAL neutrophils and elevated IL-8 levels compared to virus-negative children.
  • Elevated ECP levels were observed in children infected with rhinovirus compared to those with other viral infections.

Conclusions:

  • Respiratory viruses, especially rhinovirus, appear to play a significant role in pediatric R/CLRDs.
  • Viral presence is associated with specific changes in bronchoalveolar lavage cellularity and inflammatory cytokine profiles.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm viral persistence and explore therapeutic strategies for these patients.

Keywords:
cytokinesvirus

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