Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2025

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

15.0K

Rethinking Paediatric Respiratory Infections: The Role of Mixed Pathogen Infections

Jinjin Wang1,2, Ran Wang1,2, Zhengde Xie1,2

  • 1Laboratory of Infection and Virology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Core Technologies for the Prevention and Treatment of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Children, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Centre for Children's Health, Beijing, China.

Reviews in Medical Virology
|February 25, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Multiple viruses in children's acute respiratory infections (ARIs) don't worsen severity. However, virus-bacteria infections may increase ARI severity in children, impacting treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a major cause of childhood illness and death globally.
  • Advances in molecular diagnostics increase detection of multiple pathogens in pediatric ARIs.
  • The impact of mixed infections on ARI severity in children remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on the impact of mixed pathogen infections on the severity of pediatric ARIs.
  • To clarify the differing effects of viral-viral versus viral-bacterial coinfections on disease outcomes.
  • To inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for pediatric ARIs.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of existing scientific literature.
  • Analysis of studies reporting pathogen co-detection rates in pediatric ARIs.
  • Synthesis of findings regarding the relationship between mixed infections and disease severity.

Main Results:

  • The co-detection rate of multiple viruses in pediatric ARIs varied widely (0.07%–55%).
  • Multi-virus coinfections did not significantly increase ARI severity in children, potentially due to viral interference or immune modulation.
  • Mixed viral and bacterial infections may worsen ARI severity through mechanisms like enhanced inflammation and impaired repair.

Conclusions:

  • Coinfection with multiple viruses does not appear to increase the severity of ARIs in children.
  • Bacterial-viral coinfections may exacerbate pediatric ARIs, necessitating careful consideration in diagnosis and treatment.
  • Improved understanding of mixed infections can enhance diagnostic precision and treatment, reducing complications and mortality.

Keywords:
acute respiratory infectionbacteriachildrenmixed infectionsvirus

More Related Videos

Growing a Cystic Fibrosis-Relevant Polymicrobial Biofilm to Probe Community Phenotypes03:53

Growing a Cystic Fibrosis-Relevant Polymicrobial Biofilm to Probe Community Phenotypes

Published on: April 19, 2024

450
A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness12:21

A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness

Published on: September 28, 2022

2.3K

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
201
Infection01:20

Infection

When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
7.0K
Common Respiratory Disorders01:31

Common Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
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,...
205
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
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...
201
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment01:25

Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment

Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
1.2K
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
143