Respiratory virus transmission using a novel viral challenge model: An observational cohort study

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Acute Respiratory virus Infections (ARIs) pose a significant global health burden.
• Limited knowledge exists regarding the natural transmission dynamics of ARIs, particularly from children to adults.
• Understanding transmission is crucial for developing effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a novel method for studying natural respiratory virus transmission.
• To investigate the transmission rate of ARIs from infected children to adult contacts in a hospital setting.
• To identify factors influencing respiratory virus transmission.

Main Methods:

• A feasibility study involving controlled 30-minute interactions between pediatric inpatients with ARIs and healthy adult contacts.
• Collection of nasal and throat swabs from index cases and contacts.
• Testing of swabs for a panel of respiratory viruses over ten days post-interaction.
• Statistical analysis to determine transmission rates and associated factors.

Main Results:

• 111 interactions were studied, with 93% of children shedding respiratory viruses, predominantly rhinoviruses (RVs).
• Transmission of ARIs to adult contacts occurred in 14.6% of interactions.
• Transmission was inversely associated with male contacts (adjusted OR 0.12).

Conclusions:

• A novel methodology successfully demonstrated natural ARI transmission from children to adults.
• Rhinoviruses are a primary driver of transmission in this context.
• The findings support the use of this model for future research on respiratory virus pathogenesis and interventions.