Researchers at National Jewish Health have published a study in the *Journal of Infection* that explores the interaction between different viral species and the severity of lower respiratory tract illnesses (LRIs) in infants. The investigation, which draws from data collected in the Puerto Rican Infant Metagenomic and Epidemiologic Study of Respiratory Outcomes (PRIMERO), tracked over 2,000 children from birth to age two from 2020 to 2024.
Led by Dr. Max A. Seibold, the research looks at how various viruses and their combinations influence the risk of serious respiratory disease. The study concludes that not all viruses affect infants equally. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was identified as the main virus associated with severe LRI, with RSV-infected infants nearly nine times more likely to develop serious complications. Other viruses, such as metapneumovirus and parainfluenza viruses, were also linked to increased risks, but to a lesser extent.
Interestingly, rhinovirus and bocavirus, while commonly detected in both mild and severe cases, showed that their co-infection could triple the likelihood of severe lower respiratory infections. The research also noted that SARS-CoV-2 had a comparatively low impact on severe illness in infants, suggesting that their immune responses may differ significantly from adults.
The findings carry significant clinical implications, particularly for preventative strategies involving vaccination and increased monitoring for infants with co-infections. Understanding these viral interactions may facilitate better resource allocation in at-risk populations.
- Why it matters: Identifying high-risk viruses can lead to improved prevention strategies for respiratory diseases in infants, potentially reducing the incidence of chronic conditions like asthma.
- The latest: This study sets the foundation for future research into the mechanisms of viral infections and host immune responses in early-life health.
Source: https://bioengineer.org/new-study-reveals-viral-co-infections-that-increase-risk-of-severe-respiratory-illnesses-in-infants/
Source: https://bioengineer.org/new-study-reveals-viral-co-infections-that-increase-risk-of-severe-respiratory-illnesses-in-infants/