Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 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
Rhinovirus Infections in the First 2 Years of Life
Laura Toivonen1, Linnea Schuez-Havupalo1, Sinikka Karppinen1
1Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku Institute for Child and Youth Research, and.
Insights
Rhinovirus infections are a major cause of acute respiratory illness in young children, leading to frequent doctor visits and antibiotic use. This study quanties the significant burden of rhinovirus during the first two years of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Virology
- Public health
Background:
- Rhinoviruses are common pathogens causing respiratory infections in infants and young children.
- Understanding the epidemiological burden of rhinovirus infections is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and impact of rhinovirus infections in children during their first two years of life.
- To quantify the association of rhinovirus with acute respiratory infections, otitis media, and antibiotic prescriptions.
Main Methods:
- A prospective birth cohort study followed 923 children from birth to 2 years.
- Respiratory infections were monitored via daily diaries, clinic visits, and electronic records.
- Rhinovirus detection used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and antigen assays.
Main Results:
- Rhinovirus was detected in 59% of analyzed acute respiratory infections.
- Rhinovirus was linked to 50% of otitis media, 41% of wheezing illnesses, and 49% of antibiotic treatments.
- The annual rate of rhinovirus infections was 3.5 per child, with significant associated morbidities.
Conclusions:
- Rhinovirus infections represent a substantial burden of acute respiratory illness in young children.
- Rhinovirus contributes significantly to antibiotic use and healthcare utilization in pediatric populations.
Background And Objectives:
Rhinoviruses frequently cause respiratory infections in young children. We aimed to establish the burden of acute respiratory infections caused by rhinovirus during the first 2 years of life.
Methods:
In this prospective birth cohort study, we followed 923 children for acute respiratory infections from birth to 2 years of age. Data on respiratory infections were collected by daily symptom diaries, study clinic visits, and from electronic registries. Respiratory viruses were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and antigen assays during respiratory infections and at the age of 2, 13, and 24 months. The rates of rhinovirus infections and associated morbidities were determined.
Results:
We documented 8847 episodes of acute respiratory infections, with an annual rate of 5.9 per child (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.7-6.1). Rhinovirus was detected in 59% of acute respiratory infections analyzed for viruses. Rhinovirus was associated with 50% of acute otitis media episodes, 41% of wheezing illnesses, 49% of antibiotic treatments, and 48% of outpatient office visits for acute respiratory infections. The estimated mean annual rate of rhinovirus infections was 3.5 per child (95% CI, 3.3-3.6), 47 per 100 children (95% CI, 42-52) for rhinovirus-associated acute otitis media, and 61 per 100 children (95% CI, 55-68) for rhinovirus-associated antibiotic treatment. The prevalence of rhinovirus at 2, 13, or 24 months of age was 14 to 24%, and 9% of asymptomatic children were positive for rhinovirus.
Conclusions:
Rhinovirus infections impose a major burden of acute respiratory illness and antibiotic use on young children.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Upper Respiratory Drugs: First and Second-Generation Antihistamines
Histamine binds to specific receptor sites, known as H1 receptors, on tissue cells, triggering inflammation and swelling. Antihistamines combat these effects by competing with histamine for these receptor sites. By...
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
01:16Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
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...
01:31Common 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,...
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause: