scholarly journals Reducing the Impact of Viral Respiratory Infections in Children

2005 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 695-710 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Cody Meissner
Author(s):  
Valentin Sencio ◽  
Marina Gomes Machado ◽  
François Trottein

AbstractBacteria that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract are essential for good health. The gut microbiota has a critical role in pulmonary immunity and host’s defense against viral respiratory infections. The gut microbiota’s composition and function can be profoundly affected in many disease settings, including acute infections, and these changes can aggravate the severity of the disease. Here, we discuss mechanisms by which the gut microbiota arms the lung to control viral respiratory infections. We summarize the impact of viral respiratory infections on the gut microbiota and discuss the potential mechanisms leading to alterations of gut microbiota’s composition and functions. We also discuss the effects of gut microbial imbalance on disease outcomes, including gastrointestinal disorders and secondary bacterial infections. Lastly, we discuss the potential role of the lung–gut axis in coronavirus disease 2019.


Author(s):  
Michael P. Wakeman

The elderly are a growing proportion of the global population. They are more susceptible to non-communicable diseases and respiratory viral diseases like influenza and covid19, which may lead to increased levels of morbidity and mortality than those of a younger generation. It is also reported that co-morbidities, especially diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease contribute significantly to the prognosis with these types of infections. That the immune system operates in a less efficient way as an individual ages, is now well understood and likely contributes significantly to this situation. The role of certain micronutrients in maintaining a healthy immune system is well recognised and demonstrated to play an important role both in preventing and controlling infection. However, for a number of reasons many elderly individuals have a less than optimal intake of many of the micronutrients that support the immune system. This review examines the contributory roles an aging immune system, suboptimal intake of micronutrients, comorbidities and the impact of the intake of medications typically used to treat them can play in the outcome of viral respiratory infections. It identifies the need for supplementation, especially in the elderly to support the immune system.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S470-S470
Author(s):  
Maude Paquette ◽  
Allyson Shephard ◽  
Pat Bedard ◽  
Nisha Thampi ◽  
Nisha Thampi

Abstract Background The burden of healthcare-associated viral respiratory infections (HAVRIs) in children is significant, with increased healthcare costs and risk of poor outcomes. However, while healthcare workers are the main target of infection prevention measures, little is known about the impact of sick contacts during hospitalization on the incidence of HAVRIs. The objective of our study was to determine the proportion of pediatric HAVRIs following contact with an ill caregiver or visitor. Secondary objectives were to describe the characteristics of affected patients as well as the complications associated with the HAVRI episodes. Methods This is a retrospective chart review that took place in a pediatric tertiary care center with both multiple and single-bed rooms. All cases of HAVRIs that occurred between December 2017 and July 2019 in patients aged less than 18 years old were included in the study. HAVRIs were defined as a laboratory confirmed respiratory viral illness occurring after 72 hours of admission. Results Forty-four HAVRIs were included in the analysis. The majority (n=32, 72.7%) were among patients aged less than 24 months. Only 2 patients had no comorbidities and almost half (n=21, 47.7%) had multiple complex medical conditions. Rhinovirus was the most frequently isolated virus (n=20, 45.5%). Nine patients (20.5%) had a documented contact with a sick caregiver (n=8, 88.9%) or sick visitor (n=2, 22.2%) in the 7 days prior to the onset of new respiratory symptoms and subsequent HAVRI diagnosis. In the 72 hours prior to HAVRI onset, 18 patients (40.9%) were in a single-bed room and 6 patients (13.6%) were already under droplet/contact precautions. Twelve patients (27.3%) had new or increased O2 requirements and 4 (9.1%) were transferred to the intensive care unit. There were no associated deaths. Conclusion Our study suggests that having a contact with a sick caregiver or visitor is a potential risk factor for acquiring a HAVRI. This reinforces the relevance of a strict visitor-screening policy and of educating caregivers on the importance of appropriate hand hygiene when caring for their child. Of note, more than one third of HAVRI cases occurred in patients already in a single-bed room, with or without additional precautions, suggesting that those measures are not entirely protective. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Heidari ◽  
Amir Tajbakhsh ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Gheibi-Hayat ◽  
Afagh Moattari ◽  
Vahid Razban ◽  
...  

Background: Viral respiratory infections could result in perturbation of the gut microbiota due to a probable cross-talk between lungs and gut microbiota. This can affect the pulmonary health and the gastrointestinal system. Objective: This review aimed to discuss the impact of probiotics/ prebiotics and supplements on the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections, especially emerging pathogens. Methods: The data were searched were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Google Patents, and The Lens-Patent using keywords of probiotics and viral respiratory infections in the title, abstract, and keywords. Result: Probiotics consumption could decrease the susceptibility to viral respiratory infections, such as COVID-19 and simultaneously enhance vaccine efficiency in infectious disease prevention through the immune system enhancement. Probiotics improve the gut microbiota and the immune system via regulating the innate system response and production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, treatment with probiotics contributes to the intestinal homeostasis restitution under antibiotic pressure and decreasing the risk of secondary infections due to viral respiratory infections. Probiotics present varied performances in different conditions; thus, promoting their efficacy through combining with supplements (prebiotics, postbiotics, nutraceuticals, berberine, curcumin, lactoferrin, minerals, and vitamins) is important. Several supplements reported to enhance the probiotics’ efficacy and their mechanisms as well as probiotics related patents are summarized in this review. Using nanotechnology and microencapsulation techniques can also improve probiotics efficiency. Conclusion: Given the global challenge of COVID-19, probiotic/prebiotic and following nutritional guidelines should be regarded seriously. Additionally, their role as an adjuvant in vaccination for immune response augmentation needs attention.


Membranes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Kelsey O’Dowd ◽  
Laura Sánchez ◽  
Jennifer Ben Salem ◽  
Francis Beaudry ◽  
Neda Barjesteh

During viral respiratory infections, the innate antiviral response engages a complex network of cells and coordinates the secretion of key antiviral factors, such as cytokines, which requires high levels of regulation and communication. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are particles released from cells that contain an array of biomolecules, including lipids, proteins, and RNAs. The contents of EVs can be influenced by viral infections and may play a role in the regulation of antiviral responses. We hypothesized that the contents of EVs released from chicken tracheal cells are influenced by viral infection and that these EVs regulate the function of other immune cells, such as macrophages. To this end, we characterized the protein profile of EVs during avian influenza virus (AIV) infection and evaluated the impact of EV stimulation on chicken macrophage functions. A total of 140 differentially expressed proteins were identified upon stimulation with various stimuli. These proteins were shown to be involved in immune responses and cell signaling pathways. In addition, we demonstrated that EVs can activate macrophages. These results suggest that EVs play a role in the induction and modulation of antiviral responses during viral respiratory infections in chickens.


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