Inflammatory Mediators Associated With Infection by Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Infection with human respiratory syncytial (RS) virus is the most common cause of hospital stay due to pediatric lower respiratory tract infection. An exaggerated immune response contributes to the pathogenesis and small children may have over reactive airways for a long time after an infection. New research has shown that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are stimulated by the virus. Besides fighting the infection they also cause collateral damage to the host. Among other mechanisms PMNs stimulates mucus formation that affects breathing. They also secrete enzymes, toxic proteins and free radicals that may cause harm to lung tissue and airways. The current project strives towards identifying and quantifying inflammatory mediators in sputum, urine and blood of children with severe RS-virus infection. The ultimate aim of the project is to, in detail, describe proteins contributing to the pathogenesis of the disease.