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Updated: Sep 6, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
[Asthma and infection: risk or prevention?]
1Haunersche Kinderklinik, Klinikum Innenstadt, München. Von.Mutius@kk-i.med.uni-muenchen.de
Insights
Respiratory infections in early childhood are common and linked to wheezing illnesses. While viruses like RSV and rhinovirus are often implicated, some studies suggest infections may reduce allergy risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric respiratory health
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Immunology
Context:
- Early childhood respiratory infections and wheezing illnesses are prevalent.
- Viral pathogens like RSV, rhinovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza are key contributors.
- Advancements in PCR techniques have improved viral detection rates in respiratory illnesses.
Purpose:
- To explore the association between early life respiratory infections and subsequent respiratory abnormalities.
- To investigate the role of viral infections in childhood wheezing illnesses.
- To examine potential links between early infections and atopic sensitization.
Summary:
- Viral infections in early childhood are frequently associated with wheezing illnesses.
- Rhinovirus is a predominant virus identified in asthmatic children with wheezing episodes.
- Two hypotheses explain the link: lung damage/immune alteration or underlying predisposition.
- Conversely, early infections might decrease the risk of atopic sensitization and allergies.
Impact:
- Clarifies the complex relationship between viral infections and respiratory health outcomes in children.
- Highlights the importance of identifying specific viral agents in wheezing illnesses.
- Suggests potential protective effects of early infections against allergic conditions, warranting further research.
Abstract:
Upper respiratory tract infections and wheezing illnesses occur frequently in early childhood. Most viral infections associated with wheeze in infancy are attributable to respiratory syncitial virus, whereas in older children rhinovirus, influenza and parainfluenza virus prevail. The detection rate of viruses has increased since PCR techniques have been used. A British study for example showed that in 80% of episodes in asthmatic children aged 9-11 years viruses could be detected in nasal aspirates which had been taken within 4 days of the wheezing attack. In most cases rhinovirus was identified. Two major hypotheses have been proposed to explain the association between respiratory tract infections and subsequent respiratory abnormalities. One hypothesis states that viral infections early in life damage the growing lung or alter host immune regulation. The second hypothesis holds that respiratory infections are more severe in infants and children with some underlying predisposition. These notions await further clarification. Early childhood bacterial and viral infections may, however, also be associated with a reduced risk of developing atopic sensitization or allergic conditions, as the results of several recent studies suggest.
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