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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

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Independent and interactive effects of viral species on early-life lower respiratory tract illness

Camille M Moore1, Elizabeth A Secor2, Ana Fairbanks-Mahnke2

  • 1Center for Genes, Environment & Health, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, Smith Building, Denver, CO 80206, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Place, Mail Stop B119, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.

The Journal of Infection
|September 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and other viruses increase the risk of severe lower respiratory tract illnesses (sLRIs) in infants. Viral co-infections significantly elevate the odds of developing sLRIs compared to single infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Viral respiratory infections
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Severe lower respiratory tract illnesses (sLRIs) are a major cause of morbidity in infants.
  • Identifying specific viral pathogens associated with sLRIs is crucial for prevention and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between different viral species and the likelihood of developing severe lower respiratory tract illnesses (sLRIs) versus upper respiratory illnesses (URIs) in children under two years of age.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 2061 infants in Puerto Rico was monitored for respiratory illnesses until age 2.
  • Nasal swabs from 1363 illnesses were analyzed for 21 common respiratory pathogens.

Main Results:

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections were linked to a significantly higher odds of sLRIs (OR=9.28).
  • Metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, and non-SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses also increased sLRI risk, while SARS-CoV-2 showed a protective association.
  • Viral co-infections, particularly with Rhinovirus and bocavirus, substantially increased the odds of sLRIs (OR=2.92).

Conclusions:

  • Various viral pathogens contribute to early-life sLRIs.
  • Some viruses like RSV inherently cause sLRIs, while others' pathogenicity is influenced by factors such as co-infection.
Abstract

Keywords:
CoinfectionInfantsPediatricsRespiratory syncytial virus infectionsRespiratory tract infectionsRhinovirus

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