Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 3, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
High Frequency of Viral Co-Detections in Acute Bronchiolitis
Hortense Petat1,2,3, Vincent Gajdos4, François Angoulvant5,6
1Groupe de Recherche sur l'Adaptation Microbienne (GRAM 2.0), Normandie University, UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, EA2656, F-14033 Caen, France.
Insights
Nearly all infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis had viral infections, predominantly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human rhinovirus (HRV). HRV infection risk was higher without RSV, suggesting viral interference in infant respiratory illness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Bronchiolitis is a primary cause of infant hospitalization.
- The long-term impact of viral bronchiolitis on chronic respiratory diseases like asthma is not fully understood.
- The significance of viral co-detections in acute bronchiolitis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of viral pathogens in infants with acute bronchiolitis.
- To investigate the relationships between common respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human rhinovirus (HRV), during co-infections.
- To explore the potential impact of viral co-infections on the development of chronic respiratory conditions.
Main Methods:
- Nasopharyngeal samples were collected from 719 infants aged 6 weeks to 12 months presenting with moderate to severe acute bronchiolitis between 2012 and 2014.
- Comprehensive viral testing was performed on all collected samples.
- Statistical analysis was used to assess the prevalence of individual viruses and co-detections, and to evaluate the risk of infection based on the presence of other viruses.
Main Results:
- A high detection rate of 98% for viral pathogens was observed in the infant samples.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was detected in 90% of samples, and human rhinovirus (HRV) in 34%.
- Viral co-detections occurred in 55% of cases, with RSV/HRV co-infections being the most common (30%). Notably, HRV infection risk was elevated in the absence of RSV, suggesting potential viral interference.
Conclusions:
- Viral infections are nearly ubiquitous in infants hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis.
- The observed inverse relationship between RSV and HRV suggests complex viral-viral interactions that may influence disease presentation.
- Further research into viral detection and co-infection patterns is crucial for understanding the pathophysiology of chronic respiratory diseases stemming from early-life respiratory infections.
Abstract:
Over two years (2012-2014), 719 nasopharyngeal samples were collected from 6-week- to 12-month-old infants presenting at the emergency department with moderate to severe acute bronchiolitis. Viral testing was performed, and we found that 98% of samples were positive, including 90% for respiratory syncytial virus, 34% for human rhino virus, and 55% for viral co-detections, with a predominance of RSV/HRV co-infections (30%). Interestingly, we found that the risk of being infected by HRV is higher in the absence of RSV, suggesting interferences or exclusion mechanisms between these two viruses. Conversely, coronavirus infection had no impact on the likelihood of co-infection involving HRV and RSV. Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalizations in infants before 12 months of age, and many questions about its role in later chronic respiratory diseases (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) exist. The role of virus detection and the burden of viral codetections need to be further explored, in order to understand the physiopathology of chronic respiratory diseases, a major public health issue.
More Related Videos
09:02Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions
Published on: September 22, 2023
09:01An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Related Concept Videos
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:
01:29Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-I
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
01:30Acute Respiratory Failure-III
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,...