Rhinoviruses Cause Severe Disease in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Among premature infants in Buenos Aires, rhinoviruses were the most common cause of all acute respiratory infections, of bronchiolitis, and of hospitalization for such illnesses.

Once linked only to mild, self-limited illness, rhinoviruses (RVs) are now known to cause severe respiratory infections in children (JW Infect Dis Apr 22 2009). In a prospective cohort study conducted at two sites in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 2003 to 2005, researchers examined the role of RVs in severe respiratory infections among premature infants. Palivizumab, the monoclonal antibody that protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), was not used at the study sites at that time.

The 119 participating infants weighed <1500 g at birth and had a corrected gestational age of ≤8 months at enrollment; they were followed until they reached a corrected gestational age of 12 months. Secretions obtained by nasal wash during every episode o…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Rhinoviruses Cause Severe Disease in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

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Reviewing Author