Faculty Opinions recommendation of Increased risk of pneumonia in residents living near poultry farms: does the upper respiratory tract microbiota play a role?

This study aimed to investigate the association between training load indices and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) across different lag periods in elite soccer players. Internal training load was collected from 15 elite soccer players over one full season (40 weeks). Acute, chronic, Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR), Exponentially Weighted Moving Averages (EWMA) ACWR, 2, 3 and 4-week cumulative load, training strain and training monotony were calculated on a rolling weekly basis. Players completed a daily illness log, documenting any signs and symptoms, to help determine an URTI. Multilevel logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between training load indices and URTIs across different lag periods (1 to 7-days). The results found a significant association between 2-week cumulative load and an increased likelihood of a player contracting an URTI 3 days later (Odds Ratio, 95% Confidence Interval: OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 0.026-1.431). Additionally, a significant association was found between 3-week cumulative load and a players’ increased risk of contracting an URTI 4 days later (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 0.013–1.006). These results indicate that accumulated periods of high training load (2- and 3-week) associated with an increased risk of a player contracting an URTI, which may lead to performance decrements, missed training sessions or even competitions.

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Exercise and resistance to infection

Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1139/y98-053 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 76 (5) ◽

pp. 573-580 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

David C Nieman

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Tract Infection ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infection ◽

Killer Cell ◽

Cell Activity ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Upper Respiratory

Epidemiological data suggest that endurance athletes are at increased risk for upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) during periods of heavy training and the 1- to 2-week period following race events. Moderate exercise training has been associated with a reduction in incidence of URTI. There is growing evidence that for several hours subsequent to heavy exertion, several components of both the innate (e.g., natural killer cell activity and neutrophil oxidative burst activity) and adaptive (e.g., T and B cell function) immune system exhibit suppressed function. The immune response to heavy exertion is transient, and further research on the mechanisms underlying the immune response to prolonged and intensive endurance exercise is necessary before meaningful clinical applications can be drawn. Some attempts have been made through chemical or nutritional means (e.g., indomethacin, glutamine, vitamin C, and carbohydrate supplementation) to attenuate immune changes following intensive exercise to lower the risk of infection.Key words: upper respiratory tract infection, immunity, running, lymphocyte, neutrophil.

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Consumption of gold kiwifruit reduces severity and duration of selected upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and increases plasma vitamin C concentration in healthy older adults

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114511006659 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 108 (7) ◽

pp. 1235-1245 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Denise C. Hunter ◽

Margot A. Skinner ◽

Frances M. Wolber ◽

Chris L. Booth ◽

Jacelyn M. S. Loh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin C ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Immune Function ◽

Washout Period ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Plasma Vitamin ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Tract Infections

In the elderly, immunosenescence and malnourishment can contribute to increased risk and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). Gold kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis ‘Hort16A’) contains nutrients important for immune function and mitigation of symptoms of infection, including vitamins C and E, folate, polyphenols and carotenoids. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether regular consumption of gold kiwifruit reduces symptoms of URTI in older people, and determine the effect it has on plasma antioxidants, and markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and immune function. A total of thirty-two community-dwelling people ( ≥ 65 years) participated in a randomised crossover study, consuming the equivalent of four kiwifruit or two bananas daily for 4 weeks, with treatments separated by a 4-week washout period. Participants completed the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21 daily, and blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of each treatment and washout period. Gold kiwifruit did not significantly reduce the overall incidence of URTI compared with banana, but significantly reduced the severity and duration of head congestion, and the duration of sore throat. Gold kiwifruit significantly increased plasma vitamin C, α-tocopherol and lutein/zeaxanthin concentrations, and erythrocyte folate concentrations, and significantly reduced plasma lipid peroxidation. No changes to innate immune function (natural killer cell activity, phagocytosis) or inflammation markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, homocysteine) were detected. Consumption of gold kiwifruit enhanced the concentrations of several dietary plasma analytes, which may contribute to reduced duration and severity of selected URTI symptoms, offering a novel tool for reducing the burden of URTI in older individuals.

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The Safety of Delayed Versus Immediate Antibiotic Prescribing for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Clinical Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/cid/ciaa890 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Tjeerd Pieter van Staa ◽

Victoria Palin ◽

Benjamin Brown ◽

William Welfare ◽

Yan Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Hospital Admission ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Population Based ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Antibiotic Prescribing ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Tract Infections

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the clinical safety of delayed antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), which is recommended in treatment guidelines for less severe cases. Methods Two population-based cohort studies used the English Clinical Practice Research Databank and Welsh Secure Anonymized Information Linkage, containing electronic health records from primary care linked to hospital admission records. Patients with URTI and prescriptions of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, or phenoxymethylpenicillin were identified. Patients were stratified according to delayed and immediate prescribing relative to URTI diagnosis. Outcome of interest was infection-related hospital admission after 30 days. Results The population included 1.82 million patients with an URTI and antibiotic prescription; 91.7% had an antibiotic at URTI diagnosis date (immediate) and 8.3% had URTI diagnosis in 1–30 days before (delayed). Delayed antibiotic prescribing was associated with a 52% increased risk of infection-related hospital admissions (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.43–1.62). The probability of delayed antibiotic prescribing was unrelated to predicted risks of hospital admission. Analyses of the number needed to harm showed considerable variability across different patient groups (median with delayed antibiotic prescribing, 1357; 2.5% percentile, 295; 97.5% percentile, 3366). Conclusions This is the first large population-based study examining the safety of delayed antibiotic prescribing. Waiting to treat URTI was associated with increased risk of hospital admission, although delayed antibiotic prescribing was used similarly between high- and low-risk patients. There is a need to better target delayed antibiotic prescribing to URTI patients with lower risks of complications.

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Whole Cell Euglena Gracilis Supplementation Reduces Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms in Healthy Adults (P19-009-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz049.p19-009-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Janaki Iyer ◽

Paul Falcone ◽

Kelli Herrlinger ◽

Joanne Lasrado ◽

Emily Pankow Fritz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Euglena Gracilis ◽

Illness Severity ◽

Healthy Adults ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Whole Cell ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Tract Infections

Abstract Objectives Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) cause cold and flu-like symptoms, with roughly 70% of the general population experiencing at least one episode annually. The resultant lost productivity has a drastic impact with an estimated 40 M work or school days missed each year, translating to over $40B USD in lost potential. Certain populations, such as athletes and stressed workers are at an increased risk of URTIs. While diet, sleep, low stress and exercise are all important for a healthy functioning immune system, supplementation with natural ingredients could provide additional support. Euglena gracilis is a nutrient-rich natural microalgae (commonly consumed in Japan), containing immunomodulating beta 1,3-glucans, protein, some essential vitamins, and minerals. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study aimed at investigating the immunomodulating effects of a patented whole cell algae fermentate (WCF) in healthy active adults. Methods Thirty-four, healthy, active (1.5–3 hours/day of an aerobic sport, 5–6 days/week) participants were randomized to either WCF or placebo for 90 days. URTI symptoms were assessed Day (D) 1 to 90 using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey. Data are shown for the a priori defined per protocol population (n = 27). Results Participants supplemented with WCF reported a lower number of URTI symptoms from D1 to 30 (P = 0.042) and from D1 to 90 (P = 0.029), lower mean number of sick days between D1 and 30 (P = 0.047) and D1 and 90 (P = 0.041), lower mean number of URTI episodes per person (P = 0.032), and lower mean number of days with at least 1 reported URTI symptom per person (P = 0.019) between D1 and 90 compared to taking placebo. Evaluation of global illness severity found that the mean total AUC for daily symptoms was significantly lower in the WCF group compared to placebo at D1 to D30 (P = 0.043) and D1 to D90 (P = 0.049). Conclusions Supplementation with WCF positively influences the immune system by reducing URTI incidence, duration, and severity in healthy adults. It is noteworthy that in the absence of the intervention, active young adults reported more URTI episodes, sick days, and global illness severity, respectively. These data suggest the ability of WCF supplementation to strengthen the immune response as evidenced by reduced cold and flu symptoms. Funding Sources Kemin Foods L.C.

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871. Symptomatic Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Adenovirus Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Increase the Risk of Invasive Aspergillosis After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofy209.055 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽

pp. S24-S25 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Chikara Ogimi ◽

Angela P Campbell ◽

Hu Xie ◽

Cynthia Fisher ◽

Jane Kuypers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Respiratory Virus ◽

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Research Support ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Syncytial Virus ◽

Tract Infections

Abstract Background Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a serious infectious complication following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Few studies have reported respiratory viral infections (RVIs) as a risk factor for developing IA, and data regarding specific viruses is sparse. We examined whether specific respiratory viruses were associated with increased risk of developing IA post-HCT. Methods In a longitudinal surveillance study of RVIs among allogeneic HCT recipients conducted 2005–2010, weekly post-HCT nasal washes were collected through day 100, then every 3 months, and whenever respiratory symptoms occurred through 1 year post-HCT. Nasal and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were tested by multiplex PCR for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza viruses (PIV)1–4, influenza A/B, human metapneumovirus, adenovirus (ADV), and human rhinoviruses, and coronaviruses. Only respiratory virus detections with symptoms were counted as RVI. Separate Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine adjusted associations between each RVI and the development of first proven/probable IA by 1-year post-HCT. Results Among 437 patients who survived >28 days following HCT, 39 patients developed IA by 1-year post-HCT (median 87 days, range 5–283). After adjusting for age at HCT, neutropenia, high-grade CMV viremia, and HLA status (matched related vs. others) or severe acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD Grade 0–2 vs. 3–4), RSV and ADV upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) were associated with increased risk of developing IA (figure). Detection of any respiratory virus in the BAL was associated with IA (P < 0.001). Conclusion RSV and ADV URTI are significant risk factors for development of IA post-HCT; the association between PIV URTI and development of IA approached statistical significance. Viral lower respiratory tract infection was associated with IA. Our data provide a rationale to assess IA as an endpoint in preventive studies of novel agents for respiratory viruses and further emphasize the importance of effective infection prevention practices for RVIs after HCT. Disclosures J. Chien, Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Employee and Shareholder, Salary and stocks. A. Waghmare, Ablynx: Investigator, Research support. J. Englund, Gilead: Consultant and Investigator, Consulting fee and Research support. Novavax: Investigator, Research support. GlaxoSmithKline: Investigator, Research support. Alios: Investigator, Research support. MedImmune: Investigator, Research support. M. Boeckh, Asun Biopharma: Consultant and Investigator, Consulting fee and Research support. Gilead Sciences: Consultant and Investigator, Consulting fee and Research support. Chimerix Inc.: Consultant and Investigator, Consulting fee and Research support. Humabs: Consultant, Consulting fee. GSK: Investigator, Research support.

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Air Pollution Increases the Incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms among Polish Children

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10102150 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 2150

Author(s):

Aleksandra Ratajczak ◽

Artur Badyda ◽

Piotr Oskar Czechowski ◽

Adam Czarnecki ◽

Michał Dubrawski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Air Pollution ◽

Particulate Matter ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Runny Nose ◽

Number Of Children ◽

Pm10 And Pm2.5 ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Pm2.5 And Pm10

A substantial proportion of airway disease’s global burden is attributable to exposure to air pollution. This study aimed to investigate the association between air pollution, assessed as concentrations of particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 on the upper respiratory tract symptoms (URTS) in children. A nation-wide, questionnaire-based study was conducted in Poland in winter 2018/2019 in a population of 1475 children, comparing URTS throughout the study period with publicly available data on airborne particulate matter. A general regression model was used to evaluate the lag effects between daily changes in PM10 and PM2.5 and the number of children reporting URTS and their severity. PM10 and PM2.5 in the single-pollutant models had significant effects on the number of children reporting URTS. The prevalence of URTS: “runny nose”, “sneezing” and “cough” was positively associated with 12-week mean PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. In the locations with the highest average concentration of PM, the symptoms of runny nose, cough and sneezing were increased by 10%, 9% and 11%, respectively, compared to the cities with the lowest PM concentrations. This study showed that moderate-term exposure (12 week observation period) to air pollution was associated with an increased risk of URTS among children aged 3–12 years in Poland. These findings may influence public debate and future policy at the national and international levels to improve air quality in cities and improve children’s health.

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Streptococcus pneumoniae Colonization Disrupts the Microbial Community within the Upper Respiratory Tract of Aging Mice

Infection and Immunity ◽

10.1128/iai.01275-15 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 84 (4) ◽

pp. 906-916 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Netusha Thevaranjan ◽

Fiona J. Whelan ◽

Alicja Puchta ◽

Eta Ashu ◽

Laura Rossi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Bacterial Colonization ◽

The Elderly ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Host Immune System ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Content Type ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Upper Respiratory

Nasopharyngeal colonization by the Gram-positive bacteriumStreptococcus pneumoniaeis a prerequisite for pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal diseases. Colonization is asymptomatic, involving dynamic and complex interplay between commensals, the host immune system, and environmental factors. The elderly are at an increased risk of developing pneumonia, which might be due to changes in the respiratory microbiota that would impact bacterial colonization and persistence within this niche. We hypothesized that the composition of the upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiota changes with age and subsequently can contribute to sustained colonization and inefficient clearance ofS. pneumoniae. To test this, we used a mouse model of pneumococcal colonization to compare the composition of the URT microbiota in young, middle-aged, and old mice in the naive state and during the course of colonization using nasal pharyngeal washes. Sequencing of variable region 3 (V3) of the 16S rRNA gene was used to identify changes occurring with age and throughout the course ofS. pneumoniaecolonization. We discovered that age affects the composition of the URT microbiota and that colonization withS. pneumoniaeis more disruptive of preexisting communities in older mice. We have further shown that host-pathogen interactions followingS. pneumoniaecolonization can impact the populations of resident microbes, includingStaphylococcusandHaemophilus. Together, our findings indicate alterations to the URT microbiota could be detrimental to the elderly, resulting in increased colonization ofS. pneumoniaeand decreased efficiency in its clearance.

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The porcine respiratory microbiome: recent insights and future challenges

Animal Microbiome ◽

10.1186/s42523-020-00070-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mattia Pirolo ◽

Carmen Espinosa-Gongora ◽

Debby Bogaert ◽

Luca Guardabassi

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Disease ◽

Lower Respiratory Tract ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Microbial Composition ◽

Shotgun Metagenomics ◽

Genus Level ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Respiratory Microbiome

AbstractUnderstanding the structure of the respiratory microbiome and its complex interactions with opportunistic pathogenic bacteria has become a topic of great scientific and economic interest in livestock production, given the severe consequences of respiratory disease on animal health and welfare. The present review focuses on the microbial structures of the porcine upper and lower airways, and the factors that influence microbiome development and onset of respiratory disease. Following a literature search on PubMed and Scopus, 21 articles were selected based on defined exclusion criteria (20 studies performed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and one by shotgun metagenomics). Analysis of the selected literature indicated that the microbial structure of the upper respiratory tract undergoes a remarkable evolution after birth and tends to stabilise around weaning. Antimicrobial treatment, gaseous ammonia concentration, diet and floor type are amongst the recognized environmental factors influencing microbiome structure. The predominant phyla of the upper respiratory tract are Proteobacteria and Firmicutes with significant differences at the genus level between the nasal and the oropharyngeal cavity. Only five studies investigated the lower respiratory tract and their results diverged in relation to the relative abundance of these two phyla and even more in the composition of the lung microbiome at the genus level, likely because of methodological differences. Reduced diversity and imbalanced microbial composition are associated with an increased risk of respiratory disease. However, most studies presented methodological pitfalls concerning specimen collection, sequencing target and depth, and lack of quality control. Standardization of sampling and sequencing procedures would contribute to a better understanding of the structure of the microbiota inhabiting the lower respiratory tract and its relationship with pig health and disease.

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