Search

Background: Respiratory viral infections may be associated with high morbidity and mortality among immunosuppressed children. Our aim was to characterize clinical course and epidemiology of respiratory infections suspected as viral among children treated in a single hematology-oncology department in a tertiary hospital. Methods: Prospective, observational study during 1.10.2014–1.10.2015. All children with respiratory infection event in the Pediatric Hematology-oncology department at the Ruth Rappaport Children Hospital, Haifa, who were tested for respiratory viruses, were included. Collected data included signs and symptoms, pathogens, background disease, epidemiological characteristics, complications and duration of illness. Viruses were detected by molecular methods. Results: 159 events were observed among 102 children (55 males). Age range: 3 months-19 years. Single event was observed in 62%. In 79 events (50%) a respiratory virus was detected. Children who underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation had more events compared with those with other diseases (58% vs. 32%, p = 0.018). Viral detection was positively associated with symptoms of cough and rhinitis (p

Children born preterm are at risk of hospital admission for respiratory infection in the first years of life. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risk of developing lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). We assessed vitamin D levels in children born preterm admitted to the hospital ward or pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with viral LRTI. A prospective observational cohort study was conducted over 3 years that enrolled 87 children3 years of age, born37 weeks of gestation. Children were enrolled in the ward and PICU if they had a diagnosis of LRTI with confirmed viral testing. Children seen in the outpatient clinic for well-child care were enrolled as study controls. Vitamin D and cathelicidin levels were measured and associations between vitamin D, cathelicidin, and admission sites were tested. Vitamin D levels were lower in children admitted to the PICU when compared to controls (28 ng/mL versus 36 ng/mL

Background: COVID-19 has affected the educational system, particularly students of higher educational institutions. Accurate knowledge about the disease, its transmission, and preventive measures are critical for containing an outbreak. University students, the next generation of professionals, may play an imperative role in propagating key health information to society. Objectives: The study aims to assess the level of knowledge, the attitude of concern, and prevention practices among university students towards COVID-19 prevention. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at a private higher educational institution in Central Luzon, Holy Angel University. 357 university students were recruited as study participants from the university's different departments using the purposive sampling method, and data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire. Results: Among the 357 university students who completed the questionnaires, most were females (58.5%). The results show a good level of attitude of concern and good knowledge of clinical manifestations of COVID-19. The students' most frequently stated source of transmission is exposure to coughing and sneezing via droplets. Additionally, wearing face masks was the most reported method of protection against the infection. Conclusion: The study revealed that university students have adequate knowledge, practices, and attitude of concern towards COVID-19. To bridge the gap between current and required knowledge, it is essential to establish further professional educational campaigns to increase university students' awareness of the pandemic.

Objective This study evaluated the presence and the levels of antibodies reactive to SARS-CoV-2 S1 and S2 subunits (S1 + S2), and nucleocapsid protein. Study design The levels of SARS-CoV-2 S1 + S2- and nucleocapsid-reactive SIgM/IgM, IgG and SIgA/IgA were measured in human milk samples from 41 women during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-HM) and from 16 women 2 years prior to the outbreak (2018-HM). Results SARS-CoV-2 S1 + S2-reactive SIgA/IgA, SIgM/IgM and IgG were detected in 97.6%, 68.3% and 58.5% in human milk whereas nucleocapsid-reactive antibodies were detected in 56.4%, 87.2% and 46.2%, respectively. S1 + S2-reactive IgG was higher in milk from women that had symptoms of viral respiratory infection(s) during the last year than in milk from women without symptom. S1 + S2- and nucleocapsid-reactive IgG were higher in the 2020-HM group compared to the 2018-HM group. Conclusions The presence of SARS-CoV-2-reactive antibodies in human milk could provide passive immunity to breastfed infants and protect them against COVID-19 diseases.

Viral infections are a significant public health problem, primarily due to their high transmission rate, various pathological manifestations, ranging from mild to severe symptoms and subclinical onset. Laboratory diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, with a short enough turnaround time, are promising tools to improve patient care, antiviral therapeutic decisions, and infection prevention. Numerous microbiological molecular and serological diagnostic testing devices have been developed and authorised as benchtop systems, and only a few as rapid miniaturised, fully automated, portable digital platforms. Their successful implementation in virology relies on their performance and impact on patient management. This review describes the current progress and perspectives in developing micro- and nanotechnology-based solutions for rapidly detecting human viral respiratory infectious diseases. It provides a nonexhaustive overview of currently commercially available and under-study diagnostic testing methods and discusses the sampling and viral genetic trends as preanalytical components influencing the results. We describe the clinical performance of tests, focusing on alternatives such as microfluidics-, biosensors-, Internet-of-Things (IoT)-based devices for rapid and accurate viral loads and immunological responses detection. The conclusions highlight the potential impact of the newly developed devices on laboratory diagnostic and clinical outcomes.

Background: Little is known about the interaction between the nasopharyngeal bacterial profile and the nutritional status in children. In this study, our main goal was to evaluate the associations between overnutrition and the presence of four potentially pathogenic bacteria in the nasopharynx of infants with viral lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). In addition, we determined whether changes in the nasopharyngeal bacterial profile were associated with mucosal and serum proinflammatory cytokines and with clinical disease severity. Methods: We enrolled 116 children less than 2 years old hospitalized for viral LRTI during two consecutive respiratory seasons (May 2016 to August 2017); their nutritional status was assessed, and nasopharyngeal and blood samples were obtained. S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, and respiratory viruses were identified in nasopharyngeal samples by qPCR. Cytokine concentrations were measured in nasopharyngeal and blood samples. Disease severity was assessed by the length of hospitalization and oxygen therapy. Results: Nasopharyngeal pathogenic bacteria were identified in 96.6% of the enrolled children, and 80% of them tested positive for two or more bacteria. The presence and loads of M. catarrhalis was higher (p = 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively) in children with overnutrition (n = 47) compared with those with normal weights (n = 69). In addition, the detection of >2 bacteria was more frequent in children with overnutrition compared to those with normal weight (p = 0.02). Multivariate regression models showed that the presence and loads of S. pneumoniae and M. catarrhalis were associated with higher concentrations of IL-6 in plasma and TNF-α in mucosal samples in children with overnutrition. Conclusions: The nasopharyngeal profile of young children with overnutrition was characterized by an over representation of pathogenic bacteria and proinflammatory cytokines.

Background and Purpose: Acute viral respiratory infections (ARTIs) are among the most common reasons for a healthcare encounter throughout the industrialized world. Among the approximately100 million antibiotic prescriptions written every year for ARTI, half are prescribed inappropriately. Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for viral illnesses poses a serious threat since many organisms have become resistant to commonly used antibiotics. The aim of this study was to develop an ARTI treatment protocol in accordance with current practice guidelines to decrease the number of inappropriately prescribed antibiotics in a primary care health clinic. Methods: Patient subjects were obtained using convenience sampling and data collection was completed using ICD queries in the clinic’s EHR system. A retrospective chart review analyzing antibiotic prescribing practices was conducted pre- and post- implementation of an educational session detailing current ARTI practice guidelines. Conclusions: The results of this project showed clinical significance in that clinician education, focused on ARTI current practice guidelines and attentiveness in antibiotic prescription practices, reduced antibiotic use for viral ARTIs by 12.0%. Implications for Practice: Clinician education and implementation of current practice guidelines for ARTI will assist clinicians decrease both the unnecessary adverse effects of antibiotics, as well as the threat of antibiotic resistance.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the utility of procalcitonin (PCT) in identifying cobacterial pneumonia in pediatric patients with known viral respiratory infection.METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a stand-alone children's hospital during 2 time periods (period 1: October 1, 2014, to March 31, 2015; period 2: October 1, 2015, to March 31, 2016). Patients admitted with any upper respiratory tract infection were included. Exclusion criteria included any condition compromising lung function, age 18 years, or lack of PCT (period 2). PCT values of 1.5 ng/mL were used to identify cobacterial pneumonia. Receiver-operator characteristic curves were used with multiple logistic regression to evaluate patient variables.RESULTS Of the 374 pediatric patients evaluated, 64% were classified as having viral pneumonia and 23% as having cobacterial pneumonia across both study time periods. Non-significant predictors of cobacterial pneumonia included temperature (p = 0.0795, p = 0.1466), WBC count (p = 0.8774, p = 0.6675), and C-reactive protein (p = 0.7115, p = 0.3835). Median initial PCT for patients with viral pneumonia was 0.14 ng/mL compared with 1.41 ng/mL in patients with cobacterial pneumonia; median second PCTs were 0.26 ng/mL (viral pneumonia) and 4.55 ng/mL (cobacterial pneumonia). Patients with an elevated PCT had 17.5 times (95% CI, 5.2, 59.1) greater odds of having a cobacterial pneumonia.CONCLUSIONS PCT was found to be strongly associated with cobacterial pneumonia with an underlying viral etiology. Temperature, WBC, and C-reactive protein failed to be significant predictors in differentiating between viral and cobacterial pneumonia.

Rationale: Recurrent wheeze and asthma are thought to result from alterations in early life immune development following respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. However, prior studies of the n...

Our aim was to determine the detection rate of respiratory viruses (RVs) in feces of patients with acute viral respiratory infection (AVRI) and the detection rate of diarrheal viruses (DVs) in nasopharyngeal samples from patients with acute viral gastroenteritis. The relationships between the presence of fecal RVs or nasopharyngeal DVs and their impacts on the clinical severity were also investigated. A total of 144 fecal specimens were collected from AVRI patients and 95 nasopharyngeal specimens were collected from acute viral gastroenteritis patients. Clinical characteristics and laboratory profiles were compared between subgroups on the basis of the presence or absence of virus in the specimens. The detection rate of RVs in feces was 17.4% (25/144), whereas the detection rate for viruses identical to the respiratory pathogen was 10.4% (identical group, 15/144). Within the identical group, adenovirus (86.7%, 13/15) was most commonly found. Patients in the identical group showed statistically higher values for C-reactive protein, mean age, increased frequency of vomiting, and decreased frequency of chest film involvement and cough (p < 0.05). The detection rate of nasopharyngeal DVs among acute viral gastroenteritis patients was 19.0% (18/95), and in the identical group it was 15.8% (15/95). Norovirus group II and enteric adenovirus were the major pathogens detected in the identical group. There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics and laboratory profiles between the subgroups. In conclusion, the major pathogens of fecal RV and nasopharyngeal DV were adenovirus and norovirus group II, respectively. However, their relationship with the clinical symptoms or disease severity is unclear.

The effect of indoor airflow has been confirmed on the diffusion and transmission of droplets generated when talking or sneezing by a person with a viral respiratory infection such as COVID-19. The present study to investigate the effect of airflow in an indoor environment (a classroom) on the distribution and transmission of droplets emitted from speaking and cough by an infected person. A numerical analysis to investigate the persistence and deposition of particles on the surfaces of desks and the faces of residents (teacher and students) under various scenarios, including the opening of windows. This study puts forward two types of conditions while the teacher is speaking and the cough of some students for the distribution of pathogenic particles. Computational Fluid Dynamics used to conduct the study, using the Euler-Lagrange approach to capture the transport of the particles, and the RANS equations to compute the airflow field in the classroom. The results indicate the significant effect of air conditioning and open window close to the infected person in reducing environmental pathogens. Moreover, the concentrations of virus particles increase greatly near the output; hence, the presence of people in these areas increases the risk of contracting the disease. Furthermore, when all the windows are closed, due to the low output capacity, the particles spread in all areas of the domain and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, it is recommended that the window be open in indoors environment especially the window next to the speaker., Graphical abstract Image 1

INTRODUCTION: We report the results of the active surveillance of influenza infections in hospitalized patients and the evaluation of the seasonality and correlation with temperature and rainfall data. METHODS: During the 2-year study period, 775 patients were tested for 15 respiratory viruses (RVs). RESULTS: Most of the 57% of (n=444) virus-positive samples were human rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. However, 10.4% (n=46) were influenza virus (80% FluA; 20% FluB). Age and SARI were significantly associated with influenza. FluB circulation was higher is 2013. CONCLUSIONS: In the post-epidemic period, influenza remains an important cause of hospitalization in SARI patients.

The human immune defense mechanisms and factors associated with good versus poor health outcomes following viral respiratory tract infections (VRTI), as well as correlates of protection following vaccination against respiratory viruses, remain incompletely understood. To shed further light into these mechanisms, a number of systems-scale studies have been conducted to measure transcriptional changes in blood leukocytes of either naturally or experimentally infected individuals, or in individual’s post-vaccination. Here we are making available a public repository, for research investigators for interpretation, a collection of transcriptome datasets obtained from human whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to investigate the transcriptional responses following viral respiratory tract infection or vaccination against respiratory viruses. In total, Thirty one31 datasets, associated to viral respiratory tract infections and their related vaccination studies, were identified and retrieved from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and loaded in a custom web application designed for interactive query and visualization of integrated large-scale data. Quality control checks, using relevant biological markers, were performed. Multiple sample groupings and rank lists were created to facilitate dataset query and interpretation. Via this interface, users can generate web links to customized graphical views, which may be subsequently inserted into manuscripts to report novel findings. The GXB tool enables browsing of a single gene across projects, providing new perspectives on the role of a given molecule across biological systems in the diagnostic and prognostic following VRTI but also in identifying new correlates of protection. This dataset collection is available at: http://vri1.gxbsidra.org/dm3/geneBrowser/list.

Problem Human parainfluenza virus (hPIV) is an important pathogen in respiratory infections, however the health burden of hPIV is underestimated. This study describes the infections by hPIV1‐3 in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 1990 to 2017, providing data of the frequency and seasonality of cases and associated clinical symptoms. Method of study Nasopharyngeal samples of patients with respiratory infection were collected, clinical data were analyzed, and immunofluorescence was used to detect hPIV. Results Respiratory viruses were detected in 33.63% of respiratory infections. In a total of 11 606 cases of viral respiratory infection, 781 were positive for hPIV; hPIV prevalence ranged from 2.14% to 27% of viral respiratory infections. hPIV1 circulates mainly during fall; hPIV3 circulation, in turn, starts in fall and peaks during spring; and cases of hPIV2 are reported along the year, with peaks in fall and early spring. The most affected age group was children, with hPIV prevalence of 74.23% in patients for less than 1 year. A higher proportion of girls were infected than boys, however, no difference by sex was observed considering all age groups. The most frequent type was hPIV3, especially in hospitalized patients. Both hPIV1 and 3 were associated with dyspnea, while hPIV2 caused mild symptoms mainly in nonhospitalized patients. Nineteen fatalities occurred, 89.5% of them associated with risk factors (prematurity; chronic diseases; age, 60 years). Conclusion hPIV causes a high number of respiratory infections, leading to hospitalization especially in children; epidemiological and surveillance studies are important for the control and management of respiratory infections., Highlights Parainfluenza viruses circulate throughout the year and cause severe acute respiratory infection in children.hPIV1 and 3 infections are associated with dyspnea and hospitalization.hPIV2 infection causes mild symptoms.

Background:\ud \ud Molecular assays are the gold standard methods used to diagnose viral respiratory pathogens. Pitfalls associated with this technique include limits to the number of targeted pathogens, the requirement for continuous monitoring to ensure sensitivity/specificity is maintained and the need to evolve to include emerging pathogens. Introducing target independent next generation sequencing (NGS) could resolve these issues and revolutionise respiratory viral diagnostics.\ud \ud Objectives:\ud \ud To compare the sensitivity and specificity of target independent NGS against the current standard diagnostic test.\ud \ud Study design:\ud \ud Diagnostic RT-PCR of clinical samples was carried out in parallel with target independent NGS. NGS sequences were analyzed to determine the proportion with viral origin and consensus sequences were used to establish viral genotypes and serotypes where applicable.\ud \ud Results:\ud \ud 89 nasopharyngeal swabs were tested. A viral pathogen was detected in 43% of samples by NGS and 54% by RT-PCR. All NGS viral detections were confirmed by RT-PCR.\ud \ud Conclusions:\ud \ud Target independent NGS can detect viral pathogens in clinical samples. Where viruses were detected by RT-PCR alone the Ct value was higher than those detected by both assays, suggesting an NGS detection cut-off – Ct = 32. The sensitivity and specificity of NGS compared with RT-PCR was 78% and 80% respectively. This is lower than current diagnostic assays but NGS provided full genome sequences in some cases, allowing determination of viral subtype and serotype. Sequencing technology is improving rapidly and it is likely that within a short period of time sequencing depth will increase in-turn improving test sensitivity.

BackgroundInfluenza-like illness occurs annually worldwide, with peak timing and severity varying seasonally, resulting in significant annual mortality.ObjectivesThere were three objectives: (1) to describe the epidemiological and clinical features of hospitalised patients with severe acute respiratory infection caused by influenza and other respiratory viruses (ORVs); (2) to report the influenza seasonality in the region and (3) to correlate findings of influenza circulation and immunisation time in Brazil.Patients/methodsThis study took place in three Brazilian hospitals located in cities with different climatic conditions (Curitiba (south), Rio de Janeiro (south-east) and Fortaleza (north-east)). Patients presenting with an acute process with indication for admission consisting of a predefined set of conditions potentially associated with recent influenza infection were enrolled.ResultsWe screened 1666 patients, with 595 meeting the inclusion criteria. Influenza viruses and ORVs were detected in 6.5% and 59% of patients, respectively. Influenza-positive cases fell into the severe spectrum as compared with those with ORVs (30% vs 11%), but without any difference in mortality rates. Epidemiological results revealed variations in the peak time of influenza infections between north-east (Fortaleza) and south (Curitiba) Brazil, basically following the rain period of each region. In north-east Brazil, viral circulation was prevalent in the first 4 months of the year, indicating that the vaccination campaign occurred in a postseasonal period, possibly explaining the low effectiveness.ConclusionsThe active-surveillance model is a valuable tool for investigating respiratory virus impact on hospitalised patients, with influenza-infection monitoring enabling implementation of adequate preventive measures.

KN Turi, J Shankar, LJ Anderson. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2018;198(8):1064–1073 The development of childhood recurrent wheeze and asthma are thought to result from changes in early immune system development after respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The purpose of this study was to identify nasal immune phenotypes in response to RSV infection and their association with recurrent wheeze. Investigators analyzed respiratory samples obtained as part of Infant Susceptibility to Pulmonary Infections and Asthma Following RSV Exposure, a birth cohort of term, healthy infants who were managed during the first …

When establishing animal models of viral respiratory infection, the optimal dose and route of delivery are critical to ensure reproducible outcomes. The mouse model for influenza infection is widely used due to the small animal size and simplicity of viral inoculation. During establishment of a mouse model of influenza A infection we observed a marked shift in morbidity when identical influenza A inoculum doses were delivered in less than 35 μL. We show for the first time that mice challenged with a 25 μL inoculum volume readily recovered following infection with an infectious dose of influenza A virus that was fatal when inoculated in 35 or 50 μL volumes. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Neutrophils are the predominant inflammatory cells recruited to the respiratory tract as part of the innate immune response to viral infections. Recent reports indicate the existence of distinct functional neutrophil subsets in the circulatory compartment of adults, following severe inflammatory conditions. Here, we evaluated the occurrence of neutrophil subsets in blood and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid during severe viral respiratory infection in infants based on CD16/CD62L expression. We show that during the course of severe respiratory infection infants may develop four heterogeneous neutrophil subsets in blood (mature, immature, progenitor, and suppressive neutrophils), each with distinct activation states. However, while isolated viral respiratory infection was characterized by a relative absence of suppressive neutrophils in both blood and lungs, only patients with bacterial co-infection were shown to produce suppressive neutrophils. These data suggest the occurrence of distinct and unique neutrophil subset responses during severe viral and (secondary) bacterial respiratory infection in infants.

The objective of the study is to verify effects of nebulized 3% saline hypertonic solution (HS) in comparison to normal saline (NS) in addition to epinephrine in hospitalized children with bronchiolitis. Infants were randomly assigned either to receive every 6 hours nebulized NS (group I) or 3% HS (group II) in addition to epinephrine (1.5 mg) and to conventional treatment. The main endpoints of this study were the length of stay (LOS) in hospital and the clinical response score (CSS). Patients presented a significant decrease in CSS from the first through the third day of treatment, present in the first group but even more evident in the second group (p=0.0001). Comparison between group I and II data shows significant decrease in CSS in the 3% HS-treated patients both at the second (p

Background Viral respiratory infection has long been known to influence the occurrence of asthma exacerbations. Over the last 20 years much effort has been put into clarifying the role that viral respiratory infections play in the eventual development of asthma. Scope of review In this review we give a general background of the role of viruses in the processes of asthma exacerbation and asthma induction. We review recent additions to the literature in the last 3 years with particular focus on clinical and epidemiologic investigations of influenza, rhinovirus, bocavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and metapneumovirus. Major conclusions The development of asthma emerges from a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental factors with viral infection likely playing a significant role in the effect of environment on asthma inception. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Biochemistry of Asthma. General significance Further understanding of the role that viruses play in asthma exacerbation and inception will contribute to decreased asthma morbidity in the future. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Biochemistry of Asthma.

Summary Acute viral bronchiolitis remains a cause of substantial morbidity and health care costs in young infants. It is the most common lower respiratory tract condition and most common reason for admission to hospital in infants. Many respiratory viruses have been associated with acute viral bronchiolitis although respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains the most frequently identified virus. Most infants have a mild self limiting illness while others have more severe illness and require hospital admission and some will need ventilatory support. Differences in innate immune function in response to the respiratory viral insult as well as differences in the geometry of the airways may explain some of the variability in clinical pattern. Young age and history of prematurity remain the most important risk factors although male gender, indigenous status, exposure to tobacco smoke, poor socioeconomic factors and associated co-morbidities such as chronic lung disease and congenital heart disease increase the risks of more severe illness. Supportive therapy remains the major treatment option as no specific treatments to date have been shown to provide clinically important benefits except for inhaled hypertonic saline. Prophylaxis of high risk infants with palivizumab should be considered although the cost effectiveness is still unclear. Many questions remain regarding optimal management approaches for infants requiring hospitalisation with bronchiolitis including use of nasogastric feeding, the optimal role of supplemental oxygen, optimal use of hypertonic saline and the role of combinations of therapies, the use of heliox or modern physiotherapy approaches.

Resumen La infección respiratoria aguda es la enfermedad más frecuente a lo largo de toda la vida del ser humano, con una variación en cuanto a su etiología condicionada, fundamentalmente, por la edad, las circunstancias medioambientales, el ámbito asistencial y la enfermedad de base. Se han identificado más de 200 virus diferentes distribuidos en seis familias implicados en la patogenia de las infecciones del tracto respiratorio. Estos hechos generan una demanda diagnóstica, cuya incorporación al ámbito asistencial no debe ser retrasada. Consciente de ello la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica ha redactado un procedimiento sobre diagnóstico microbiológico de las infecciones virales respiratorias. En éste se efectúa una puesta al día de las infecciones debidas, en primer término, a los virus de la gripe y, en segundo lugar, a otros virus respiratorios convencionales y emergentes. En todos los casos se revisan los métodos de diagnóstico virológico directo (cultivo celular, detección de antígenos y de ácido nucleico), con particular referencia a las técnicas de detección molecular y de caracterización genética.

Background: Acute viral respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are the most frequent diseases in children. Aim: To analyze risk factors for ARTIs, to evaluate clinical differences among children with different viral respiratory infection and to study virological risk factors for recurrent wheezing at 3 years follow-up. Methods: We studied 273 children (median age 2.9 months, 167M) hospitalized at the Paediatric Emergency Department, “Sapienza” University of Rome (Oct 2009-May 2014) with ARTIs (148 had RSV infection, 67 hRV, 13 hMPV, 10 hBoV, 29 co-infections and 6 other viruses) and 101 control children. We performed a follow-up after 3 years. Results: Risk factors for ARTIs were the presence of siblings (p Conclusions: Environmental and genetic factors contribute to ARTIs. Clinical entities depend on viral etiology. RSV is the virus. RSV infants had more often long lasting sequelae.

Viral respiratory infection is thought to be the major contributing factor in the pathogenesis of bacterial sinusitis. It is still not clear why some patients suffer from recurrent sinusitis episodes, as information on the exact pathomechanism of how bacterial sinusitis develops as a complication of viral colds is still scarce. In this review, different mechanisms of how a viral infection may predispose some patients to recurrent bacterial sinusitis episodes are presented. Awareness of the fact that different mechanisms may exist behind this single diagnosis of recurrent sinusitis may be of help when diagnostic measures and treatments are planned for these patients.

Resume La bronchopathie chronique obstructive est une maladie heterogene dans sa distribution anatomique et sa severite. Le seul facteur genetique identifie dans sa pathogenie est le deficit en alpha1-antitrypsine que l'on rencontre dans moins de 1 % des sujets atteints de cette maladie. L'exposition a des facteurs deleteres environnementaux semble egalement determinant, mais seulement 15 % des fumeurs developperont une bronchopathie chronique obstructive. La prevalence de la bronchopathie chronique obstructive augmente dans les pays industrialises et comme dans l'asthme, cela suggere une influence genetique avec une modification de l'expression phenotypique secondaire a une interaction genes–environnement. L'origine pediatrique des maladies obstructives de l'adulte est fortement etayee par differentes etudes epidemiologiques. Pour cette hypothese on peut retenir : (1) l'augmentation de la prevalence de l'asthme uniquement dans les tranches d'âge les plus jeunes, (2) la persistance a l'âge adulte de certains asthmes de l'enfant, (3) le risque evolutif des infections respiratoires virales de la petite enfance vers une bronchopathie chronique obstructive, (4) la transmission familiale du phenotype fonctionnel de certaines formes de bronchopathie chronique obstructive de l'adulte.

The many therapeutic options for asthma can confuse both physicians and patients. Great emphasis has been placed on maintenance medication, particularly inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), which are the most effective medication for patients with persistent symptoms. However, asthma in young children is most commonly intermittent, triggered almost exclusively by viral respiratory infections (VRI). It is, nevertheless, associated with the highest rate of hospitalization of any age. Conventional doses of ICS do not prevent exacerbations of VRI-induced asthma. In contrast, intervention with oral corticosteroids during exacerbations has been shown to prevent the progression that would otherwise require urgent care or hospitalization. An oral corticosteroid kept on hand by the patient permits initiation of more prompt and effective treatment than is likely to occur when a patient must first go to a physician's office or emergency department, because it can be given as soon as the response to bronchodilator therapy is incomplete. Monitoring by phone and regularly scheduled physician visits to review the clinical course and reinforce education can then replace urgent medical care, thereby improving the quality and efficacy of asthma management. (J Pediatr 2003;142:S34-S39)

In asthmatic children with persistent symptoms, maintenance therapy with nedocromil sodium, inhaled corticosteroids, or montelukast is associated with a decreased rate of asthma exacerbations. The greatest benefit is seen with use of regular inhaled corticosteroids in preschool- or school-age children, in whom asthma exacerbations, the need for rescue oral corticosteroids, unscheduled urgent medical visits, and hospitalizations are all decreased by approximately 50%. However, maintenance therapy is not beneficial in children with intermittent respiratory virus-induced wheezing without persistent symptoms. (J Pediatr 2003;142:S21-S25)

1. All medications should be viewed with caution in pregnancy. 2. Management of medication use in pregnancy ideally begins with adequate preconception counseling and prepregnancy planning. 3. Medications used in pregnancy require clear identification of indication for use, duration of treatment, expected outcome, and signs or symptoms requiring early termination of their use. 4. When in doubt consultation with an expert in maternal–fetal medicine is strongly recommended.

We report clinical characteristics and outcome of infants

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a common diagnosis in outpatient and emergent care settings. Currently available diagnostics are limited, creating uncertainty in the use of antibacterial, antiviral, or supportive care. Up to 72% of ambulatory care patients with ARI are treated with an antibacterial, despite only a small fraction actually needing one. Antibiotic overuse is not restricted to ambulatory care: ARI accounts for approximately 5 million emergency department (ED) visits annually in the USA, where 52–61% of such patients receive antibiotics. Thus, an accurate test for the presence or absence of viral or bacterial infection is needed. In this review, we focus on recent research showing that the host-response (genomic, proteomic, or miRNA) can accomplish this task.

Influenza is a common viral respiratory infection leading 2–10% of the French population to consult a general practitioner (GP) every year, i.e., 1–6 million patients [1]. Moreover, it generates hi...

Military group housing, training facilities, and operational theatres, combined with high stress, presents unique environments for dissemination and propagation of transmitting bacterial and viral infections. While often associated with mild illness, severe disease may occur with significant morbidity, leading to a detrimental impact on training schedules and operational readiness. Current diagnosis and monitoring of infections require invasive procedures by skilled technicians, including repeated blood draws, making it difficult for in-theatre care. Therefore, there remains a critical need for a rapid, sensitive assay for detection and diagnosis of microbial infections in our warfighters, both in garrison and in theatre. The objective of this study was to explore the presence of innate immune biomarkers in saliva associated with bacterial and viral respiratory infections, as compared to markers present in serum samples. A panel of 28 cytokines and chemokines in saliva and serum obtained from 38 healthy subjects and 19 bacterially infected or virally infected individuals were analyzed via bio-plex analysis. A unique set of innate immune biomarkers identified in saliva from infected patients allowing for differentiation between bacterial and viral infections. Continued study may lead to improved prognosis, treatment and an overall decrease in the use of antibiotics.

Quantitative analysis data describing course of viral hepatitis show that concominal viral respiratory infection did not influence hepatitis severity and the rate of recovery after it. In the groups of hepatitis patients with different severity we also found the upper respiratory infections increasing proportional to the hepatitis severity. The rhinoviral infection initiation model in healthy and in hepatitis patients was obtained. Using this model allowed us to describe the phenomenon of upper respiratory infection incidence increasing in viral hepatitis dynamics.

Objective To examine the influence of viral respiratory infection (VRI) on treatment response in acute asthma in children. Study design A total of 218 children (mean age, 6.6 years) with acute asthma were recruited. Symptoms were recorded, an asthma severity score was determined, and whenever possible, a per-nasal aspirate was obtained for detection of viruses. Each child’s response to inhaled b2-agonists was assessed after 6, 12, and 24 hours. Results The 168 children with VRI symptoms received more treatment with inhaled b2-agonists after 6 hours (P = .010), 12 hours (P = .002), and 24 hours (P = .0005) compared with the 50 children without such symptoms. Asthma severity did not differ between the 2 groups. A per-nasal aspirate was obtained from 77% of the children. The most frequently identified virus was rhinovirus (61.4%). Among children with symptoms of a VRI, those with rhinovirus had an impaired response to b2-agonists at 6 hours (P = .032). Conclusion Children with acute asthma and symptoms of VRI respond less effectively to b2-agonists after 6, 12, or 24 hours and thus may benefit from more intense therapy and monitoring. (J Pediatr 2012;160:82-7).

Viral infections cause 75% of all acute respiratory illnesses. Common viral respiratory infections include influenza, parainfluenza, and respiratory syncytial virus. In this article, the second in a four-part series on virology, we review the prevalence and symptoms of viral respiratory diseases, and discuss effective techniques for organism detection, including isolation and collection.

The military population has a high disease burden of acute viral respiratory infections in China. To assess the efficacy and safety of a low-dose recombinant human interferon alpha-2b (rIFNalpha-2b) nasal spray in preventing acute viral respiratory infections in military population, we performed this randomized controlled trial. The results showed that application of the rIFNalpha-2b nasal spray had the benefits in prevention of infections caused by influenza A virus, influenza B virus parainfluenza viruses 1-3 and adenovirus species B. However, no benefit was seen in preventing respiratory syncytial virus. No severe adverse events were reported. Therefore, the rIFNalpha-2b nasal spray was effective and well tolerated for preventing common viral respiratory infections in the military recruits.

espanolContinuamos con la serie de casos clinicos en Cardiologia pediatrica revisando los motivos de consulta y datos exploratorios frecuentes en las consultas de Pediatria de Atencion Primaria, y presentados de forma breve y practica. En este numero se presenta el caso de un nino de 7 anos al que se le detecta un soplo sistolico en el contexto de una infeccion respiratoria virica. Se discute como la exploracion y los hallazgos electrocardiograficos orientan el manejo diagnostico de este paciente. EnglishWe continue the series of clinical cases in Pediatric Cardiology checking frequent reasons for consultation in the pediatric offices of Primary Care as well as exploratory signs, and presenting them in a brief and practical way. In this paper we present the case of a 7 years old boy to whom a systolic murmur is noticed in the context of a viral respiratory infection. The way the physical exploration and the electrocardiographic findings guide the diagnosis of this patient is discussed.

We determined the rate of nosocomial viral respiratory infection in infants and the effect of an infection control program during 4 winter seasons. The rate of nosocomial viral respiratory infection decreased from 6.09 episodes per 100 patients admitted during the first study year to 1.46 episodes per 100 patients admitted during the last study year.

A survey was conducted in two pediatric intensive care units in hospitals in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in order to monitor the main respiratory viruses present in bronchiolitis and/or pneumonia and their involvement in the severity of viral respiratory infections. Viral respiratory infection prevalence was 38.7%. In bronchiolitis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was detected in 36% of the cases. In pneumonia, the prevalence rates were similar for adenovirus (10.3%) and RSV (7.7%). There was a difference among the viruses detected in terms of frequency of clinical findings indicating greater severity. Frequency of crackles in patients with RSV (47.3%) showed a borderline significance (p = 0.055, Fisher's exact test) as compared to those with adenovirus (87.5%). The overall case fatality rate in this study was 2.7%, and adenovirus showed a significantly higher case fatality rate (25%) than RSV (2.8%) (p = 0.005). Injected antibiotics were used in 49% of the children with RSV and 60% of those with adenovirus. Adenovirus was not detected in any of the 33 children submitted to oxygen therapy.

Sinusitis generally develops as a complication of viral or allergic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. The bacterial pathogens in acute sinusitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, while anaerobic bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus are predominant in chronic sinusitis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has emerged as a potential pathogen in immunocompromised patients and in those who have nasal tubes or catheters, or are intubated. Many of these organisms recovered from sinusitis became resistant to penicillins either through the production of beta-lactamase (H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, S. aureus, Fusobacterium spp., and Prevotella spp) or through changes in the penicillin-binding protein (S. pneumoniae). The pathogenicity of beta-lactamase-producing bacteria is expressed directly through their ability to cause infections, and indirectly through the production of betalactamase. The indirect pathogenicity is conveyed not only by surviving penicillin therapy, but also by ‘shielding’ penicillin-susceptible pathogens from the drug. The direct and indirect virulent characteristics of these bacteria require the administration of appropriate antimicrobial therapy directed against all pathogens in mixed infections. The antimicrobials that are the most effective in management of acute sinusitis are amoxycillin-clavulanate (given in a high dose), the newer quinolones (gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin) and the second generation cephalosporins (cefuroxime, cefpodoxime, cefprozil or cefdinir). The antimicrobials that are the most effective in management of chronic sinusitis are amoxycillinclavulanate, clindamycin and the combination of metronidazole and a penicillin.

Attempts to relieve the misery of the common cold have been made since long before current understanding of its viral origin. Although current symptomatic therapies provide some relief, any effective treatment must incorporate an antiviral to address the infection. Symptom production is related not only to viral cytopathic effect but also to the early activation of several inflammatory pathways. Antiviral treatment alone may not be able to prevent these events. Combining an antiviral with selected therapeutic agents that block these inflammatory pathways has been shown to improve the effectiveness of cold treatment. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment combined with regular dosing until symptoms subside appears to be the most effective treatment strategy to maximize therapeutic outcomes. This strategy reduces viral shedding in nasal fluid, provides treatment for the period of maximum symptom burden, and may reduce the frequency and severity of the sinus disease that accompanies colds.

We report the cases of two infants with meningitis due to parainfluenza virus type 3. This is the first time that documented clinical and laboratory details have been reported for a 1-month-old infant with meningitis due to parainfluenza virus type 3 (our second case). We reviewed the literature and determined that CNS involvement by parainfluenza virus type 3 appears rare. Clinicians should be aware that parainfluenza virus type 3, one of the most common causes of viral respiratory infection in infancy, can also produce infection of the CNS and that hemadsorption testing of CSF specimens submitted for viral culture is necessary for detecting these paramyxoviruses.