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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

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Respiratory viruses and children

Terho Heikkinen1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.

The Journal of Infection
|May 15, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory viruses cause significant illness and complications in children, particularly in developing nations. Antivirals and vaccines can prevent viral infections and reduce dangerous bacterial coinfections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Respiratory viruses impose a substantial disease burden on young children, leading to infections, bacterial complications, and hospitalizations.
  • Viral infections contribute to significant mortality in children in developing countries.
  • The interplay between viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens is clinically significant and more common than previously recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the clinical significance of respiratory virus-bacteria interactions in pediatric populations.
  • To underscore the potential of antiviral agents and vaccines in mitigating viral and secondary bacterial infections.
  • To review the current landscape and future development of antivirals and vaccines for respiratory viruses.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on respiratory viral infections and their sequelae.
  • Analysis of the mechanisms underlying virus-bacterial coinfections.
  • Examination of the therapeutic and prophylactic roles of antivirals and vaccines.

Main Results:

  • Respiratory viruses often initiate a cascade leading to bacterial infections.
  • Antiviral therapies can shorten viral illness duration and prevent bacterial complications.
  • Vaccines offer potential for preventing primary viral infections and reducing secondary bacterial incidence.

Conclusions:

  • Effective antiviral agents and vaccines are crucial for managing pediatric respiratory infections and their complications.
  • Development of new antivirals and vaccines, particularly for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), is critical.
  • Targeting viral infections can significantly reduce the burden of associated bacterial coinfections in children.

Keywords:
AntiviralBacteriaInfluenzaOseltamivirOtitis mediaPneumoniaRespiratory syncytial virusVaccineVirus

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