The Pediatric infectious disease journal
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Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. · Nov 2005
ReviewRole of viral infections, atopy and antiviral immunity in the etiology of wheezing exacerbations among children and young adults.
At least 101 serotypes of rhinoviruses have been identified. Rhinoviruses have often been associated with trivial upper respiratory infections but more recent evidence suggests that they play a significant role in the pathogenesis of asthma exacerbations. ⋯ The evidence in children and young adults suggests that atopy and allergic inflammation in the airways may be critical determinants of an adverse response to rhinovirus. Increased awareness of the spectrum of age groups that are affected by rhinoviruses is needed to encourage the development of new treatments and strategies that may be helpful in reducing the frequency and severity of symptoms triggered by rhinoviruses.
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Humans have faced 3 major influenza pandemics in the 20th century. In recent years, it has become evident that domestic poultry play an important role in the generation of novel influenza strains with the capacity to cross the species barrier and infect and kill humans at an alarming rate. There is particular concern that avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype could cause a pandemic. ⋯ Avian influenza disease is preventable in humans and birds with the concerted effort of governments and poultry producers, large and small, to improve biosecurity and education programs. Pandemic plans can reduce the impact of the pandemic; however, preventing avian influenza in poultry can avert a pandemic altogether.
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Simkania negevensis is a Chlamydia-like intracellular organism that is prevalent in populations from a wide range of geographic areas. The role of the organism in respiratory disease in the United States is unknown. ⋯ S. negevensis was not a significant respiratory pathogen in Brooklyn, NY, during the period of the study.