Respiratory syncytial virus - from chimps with colds to conundrums and cures

Article Abstract:

Respiratory syncytial virus is the primary cause of lower respiratory tract infection in young children, and is responsible for 95,000 hospitalizations and 4,500 deaths in the United States each year. The incidence (number of new cases) of respiratory syncytial virus infection reaches a peak in the winter in temperate climates and is most common during the second year of life. Children attending day care centers have an increased risk of becoming infected with this virus. Infections recur throughout life, but are less severe in older children and adults. The infection is most severe in the first months of life, despite the presence of maternal antibodies (immune proteins directed against the virus). Although infection does cause the production of specific antibodies, it can recur within months. A vaccine developed to prevent respiratory syncytial virus infection caused more severe and even fatal infection in vaccinated children, compared with children who did not receive the vaccine. Studies show that antibodies against the F or G surface proteins of the virus can reduce the incidence of lower respiratory tract infection with the virus. A large proportion of children hospitalized with this infection are born prematurely or have heart, lung, or other birth-related disorders. These children also have an increased risk of hospital-acquired infection, respiratory failure, and death. Lower respiratory tract infection is characterized by either bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways) or pneumonia. These patients tend to have low blood oxygen levels and are prone to respiratory failure. Abnormalities or incomplete development of the immune system and lungs contribute to the progression of the infection. The drug ribavirin was shown to be effective against respiratory syncytial virus infection, although guidelines for its use and selecting patients for ribavirin treatment are currently being evaluated. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Editorial, Usage, Drug therapy, Respiratory tract infections, Ribavirin

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Primary human herpesvirus 6 infection in young children

Article Abstract:

Infection with human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) may cause acute illness with fever in young children. Of 243 children two years of age and younger brought to an emergency room with such an acute illness, 34 (14%) were infected with HHV-6. Children infected with HHV-6 experienced irritability, elevated temperature and inflammation of the ear drum, but few other symptoms. Three children had an elevated red rash that is characteristic of HHV-6 infection. Twenty-nine children (85%) had a fourfold increase in blood levels of IgG antibody, but four infants who were under three months old did not. All the children recovered after an average of four days of fever, including the two who were hospitalized. HHV-6 could be grown from the blood of only one child during convalescence, but 68% of the children still had peripheral blood monocytes (white blood cells) infected with HHV-6. Analysis of HHV-6 from different children found that they were infected with different strains of the virus.

Development and progression, Herpesvirus diseases, Herpesvirus infections, Communicable diseases in children, Pediatric communicable diseases

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Respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus

Article Abstract:

Respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus affect adults as well as children. This review includes information about structure, epidemiology, pathology, immunity, diagnosis, and treatment.

Health aspects, Parainfluenza viruses

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