scholarly journals Rhinoviruses as Pathogens of the Lower Respiratory Tract

2000 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 409-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolaos G Papadopoulos ◽  
Sebastian L Johnson

Rhinoviruses (RVs) are the most common upper respiratory pathogens, inducing the majority of common colds worldwide. RV-related morbidity, although significant cumulatively, has been considered trivial for the individual patient. However, recent strong epidemiological associations of RVs with asthma exacerbations, including severe episodes requiring hospitalization, indicate that RV infections can result in serious disease. Current evidence supports the possibility that RVs infect the lower airways, inducing a local inflammatory response. Such evidence suggests that the role of RVs in other lower respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis and cystic fibrosis, should be re-examined with polymerase chain reaction-based methodologies, which are considerably more sensitive than traditional, cell culture-based techniques. The mechanisms through which RVs induce lower airway disease are studied to understand the relative contributions of the epithelial, neurogenic and immune components in the antiviral response, and to permit the design and implementation of specific treatments.

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anouk K. Gloudemans ◽  
Bart N. Lambrecht ◽  
Hermelijn H. Smits

Allergic asthma is characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness, a defective barrier function, and eosinophilic lower airway inflammation in response to allergens. The inflammation is dominated by Th2 cells and IgE molecules and supplemented with Th17 cells in severe asthma. In contrast, in healthy individuals, allergen-specific IgA and IgG4 molecules are found but no IgE, and their T cells fail to proliferate in response to allergens, probably because of the development of regulatory processes that actively suppress responses to allergens. The presence of allergen-specific secretory IgA has drawn little attention so far, although a few epidemiological studies point at a reverse association between IgA levels and the incidence of allergic airway disease. This review highlights the latest literature on the role of mucosal IgA in protection against allergic airway disease, the mechanisms described to induce secretory IgA, and the role of (mucosal) dendritic cells in this process. Finally, we discuss how this information can be used to translate into the development of new therapies for allergic diseases based on, or supplemented with, IgA boosting strategies.


2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D Kriesel ◽  
Andrea White ◽  
Frederick G Hayden ◽  
S L Spruance ◽  
Jack Petajan

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, which often follows a relapsing-remitting (RR) course with discrete attacks. MS attacks have been associated with upper respiratory infections (URIs), but the specific viruses responsible have not been identified. We studied a cohort of 16 RRMS patients experiencing URI and followed them for clinically identifiable attacks. The viral causes of 21 separate URIs were investigated using culture and polymerase chain reactio n (PCR) of nasal swab specimens, and by serology. Sibley’s ‘at-risk’ period for MS attacks, beginning two weeks before and continuing for five weeks after a URI, was used for the analysis. Seven of the nine (78%) URIs due to picornaviruses were associated with an MS attack during the at-risk period. By contrast, only two of 12 (17%) picornavirus-negative URIs were associated with an MS attack (P =0.01). The possible role of picornaviruses in the patho genesis of MS deserves further study.


2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 184-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afia Ali ◽  
Jessica Blickwedel ◽  
Angela Hassiotis

SummaryChallenging behaviour is common in intellectual disability but it is difficult to diagnose and manage. It can adversely affect the quality of life of the individual and cause the breakdown of community placements, resulting in hospital admission. This article discusses the aetiology of challenging behaviour (including the complex relationship with mental illness), diagnostic problems, the current evidence base in relation to psychosocial and pharmacological treatments, and service delivery.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Understand the aetiological basis of challenging behaviour.•Understand the role of functional analysis.•Appreciate the evidence base in relation to the psychological and pharmacological treatment of challenging behaviour.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee K. Page ◽  
Karl J. Staples ◽  
C. Mirella Spalluto ◽  
Alastair Watson ◽  
Tom M. A. Wilkinson

Under normal physiological conditions, the lung remains an oxygen rich environment. However, prominent regions of hypoxia are a common feature of infected and inflamed tissues and many chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases are associated with mucosal and systemic hypoxia. The airway epithelium represents a key interface with the external environment and is the first line of defense against potentially harmful agents including respiratory pathogens. The protective arsenal of the airway epithelium is provided in the form of physical barriers, and the production of an array of antimicrobial host defense molecules, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, in response to activation by receptors. Dysregulation of the airway epithelial innate immune response is associated with a compromised immunity and chronic inflammation of the lung. An increasing body of evidence indicates a distinct role for hypoxia in the dysfunction of the airway epithelium and in the responses of both innate immunity and of respiratory pathogens. Here we review the current evidence around the role of tissue hypoxia in modulating the host-pathogen interaction at the airway epithelium. Furthermore, we highlight the work needed to delineate the role of tissue hypoxia in the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in addition to novel respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the epithelial-pathogen interactions in the setting of hypoxia will enable better understanding of persistent infections and complex disease processes in chronic inflammatory lung diseases and may aid the identification of novel therapeutic targets and strategies.


2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (06) ◽  
pp. 561-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Dall'Agnola ◽  
Daniel Tomé ◽  
David Kaufman ◽  
Elena Tavella ◽  
Marta Pieretto ◽  
...  

AbstractLactoferrin is one of the most represented and important bioactive proteins in human and mammal milk. In humans, lactoferrin is responsible for several actions targeting anti-infective, immunological, and gastrointestinal domains in neonates, infants, and young children. Evidence-based data vouch for the ability of supplemented lactoferrin to prevent sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants and to reduce the burden of morbidity related to gastrointestinal and respiratory pathogens in young children. However, several issues remain pending regarding answers and clarification related to quality control, correct intakes, optimal schedules and schemes of supplementations, interactions with probiotics, and different types of milk and formulas. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding lactoferrin and discusses the areas in need of further guidance prior to the adoption of strategies that include a routine use of lactoferrin in neonates and young children.


2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 234-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Šafářová Dana ◽  
Lauterer Pavel ◽  
Starý Martin ◽  
Válová Pavla ◽  
Navrátil Milan

Bois noir (BN), caused by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’, is a serious disease of grapevines in Europe. During the 2010–2012 survey in Perná vineyard (South Moravia, Czech Republic) a total of 4854 insect individuals were collected and among these, 95 insect species belonging to Auchenorrhyncha (77 species), Heteroptera (12), and Psylloidea (62) were indentified. The nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses confirmed Hyalesthes obsoletus as the main BN vector with 43.8% of phytoplasma positive individuals on average. A significant role of Anaceratagallia ribauti (22.6% of phytoplasma positive specimens) should be taken into account based on its occurrence and incidence of infected individuals. Eleven insect species were identified as new carriers of ‘Ca. P. solani’ or suggested as potential BN vectors in this work.


2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 943-949 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianka S Schulz ◽  
Petra Richter ◽  
Karin Weber ◽  
Ralf S Mueller ◽  
Gerhard Wess ◽  
...  

Little is known about the aetiology of inflammatory lower airway disease in cats. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Mycoplasma species in cats with feline asthma (FA) and chronic bronchitis (CB). The study population consisted of 17 cats with FA/CB, and 14 sick cats without clinical and historical signs of respiratory disease, which were euthanased for various other reasons. Nasal swabs, nasal lavage and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were taken from patients from both groups. Mycoplasma species culture with modified Hayflick agar and Mycoplasma polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed on all samples followed by sequencing of all Mycoplasma species-positive samples for differentiation of subspecies. PCR testing detected significantly more Mycoplasma species-positive BALF samples than Mycoplasma culture ( P = 0.021). When cats with oropharyngeal contamination were excluded from comparison, the numbers of Mycoplasma species-positive BALF samples in the group with FA/CB (6/17) and the control group (4/9) were not significantly different ( P = 0.6924). While all nasal samples of the cats with FA/CB were negative for Mycoplasma organisms, five samples in the control group ( P = 0.041) were positive on PCR. Sequencing revealed Mycoplasma felis in all PCR-positive samples. Mycoplasma species can be detected in the lower airways of cats with FA/CB, as well as in the BALF of sick cats without respiratory signs. Further studies are warranted to investigate the possibility that Mycoplasma species represent commensals of the lower respiratory tract of cats.


Author(s):  
Philippe Gevaert ◽  
Kit Wong ◽  
Lauren A. Millette ◽  
Tara F. Carr

AbstractImmunoglobulin E (IgE) is a well-known key factor in allergic airway disease; however, its central role in non-allergic airway inflammation is often underestimated. In some airway diseases, IgE is produced as a result of allergic sensitization. However, in others, IgE production occurs despite the lack of a specific allergen. Although multiple pathways contribute to the production of IgE in airway disease, it is its activity in mediating the inflammatory response that is associated with disease. Therefore, an understanding of IgE as the unifying component of upper and lower airway diseases has important implications for both diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the role of IgE in each upper and lower airway disease highlights its potential utility as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. Further classification of these diseases by whether they are IgE mediated or non–IgE mediated, rather than by the existence of an underlying allergic component, accounts for both systemic and localized IgE activity. Improvements in diagnostic methodologies and standardization of clinical practices with this classification in mind can help identify patients with IgE-mediated diseases. In doing so, this group of patients can receive optimal care through targeted anti-IgE therapeutics, which have already demonstrated efficacy across numerous IgE-mediated upper and lower airway diseases.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 134
Author(s):  
Alexandros Argyriadis ◽  
Andria Tryfonos ◽  
Maritsa Gourni ◽  
Evanthia Asimakopoulou ◽  
Despoina Sapountzi-Krepia ◽  
...  

Introduction: Depression is one of the most common mental disorders and a serious disease that plagues many people today who end up in this through their various problems. The prevention and treatment of adolescent depression is a major issue for the society and for this reason it is important to further study this issue.Aim: This study aims to explore research studies about teenagers’ depression and its effects as well as ways to prevent and address it. Moreover, it aims to seek all cultural and historical aspects of the individual and his/her family to further understand the issue. Material and Method: This is a systematic review of research studies in the electronic databases EBSCO, MedLine, Pubmed journals and books and articles referring to the issue of teenage depression.Results: This systematic review showed that depression is a daily occurrence that affects many people and that adolescents with depression tend to multiply rather than diminish. Among the most important methods of treatment are psychotherapy and reading books.Conclusions: Young people with depression problems find difficulties in their performance in school and society and often have changes in their eating habits as they stretch their weight very often. The consequence of all the above is often suicidal behavior and suicidal tendencies or even thoughts of suicide. So the necessary prevention is needed to avoid unpleasant situations.


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