New Delhi, October 12 (IANS). A team of researchers has identified symptoms associated with more severe cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children.
Researchers at Brigham and Boston Children’s Hospital in the US found an increase in natural killer (NK) cells in the respiratory tract of children with severe RSV. Apart from this, other changes were also found which suggest that these cells may contribute to the severity of the disease.
RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in young children due to respiratory complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Yet little is known about why some children develop only mild symptoms while others develop severe disease.
According to Melody G. Duval of Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), NK cells are important first responders during viral infections, but they can also contribute to lung inflammation.
“Interestingly, our findings match data from some studies done in COVID-19, which show that even in patients with the most severe symptoms, their NK cells were increased in the respiratory tract. “Along with earlier studies, our data link NK cells to severe viral disease, suggesting that further investigation into the pathways of these cells is needed.”
This study focuses on understanding the basis of serious disease. “This could help lay the groundwork toward identifying new targets for future treatments.”
Melody G. Duval and her team analyzed immune cells found in the respiratory tract and peripheral blood.”
Compared with uninfected children, critically ill children had increased levels of NK cells in their respiratory tract and lower numbers of NK cells in their blood.
Additionally, the team found that the cells themselves had changed, both in appearance and in their ability to perform their immunological function of killing diseased cells.
Earlier also, the team had reported an increase in RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) infection in children after the pandemic. Vaccines to prevent RSV are now available for children under 19 months of age, adults over 60 years of age, and pregnant women.
–IANS
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