Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

BackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in young infants. However, it is also a significant pathogen in older adults. Validated biomarkers of RSV disease severity would benefit diagnostics, treatment decisions, and prophylactic interventions. This review summarizes knowledge of biomarkers for RSV disease in adults.MethodsA literature review was performed using Ovid Medline, Embase, Global health, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published 1946-October 2016. Nine articles were identified plus 9 from other sources.ResultsFrom observational studies of natural infection and challenge studies in volunteers, biomarkers of RSV susceptibility or disease severity in adults were: (1) lower anti-RSV neutralizing antibodies, where neutralizing antibody (and local IgA) may be a correlate of susceptibility/severity; (2) RSV-specific CD8+ T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid preinfection (subjects with higher levels had less severe illness); and (3) elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and myeloperoxidase levels in the airway are indicative of severe infection.ConclusionsFactors determining susceptibility to and severity of RSV disease in adults have not been well defined. Respiratory mucosal antibodies and CD8+ T cells appear to contribute to preventing infection and modulation of disease severity. Studies of RSV pathogenesis in at-risk populations are needed.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/infdis/jiaa063

Type

Journal article

Journal

The Journal of infectious diseases

Publication Date

10/2020

Volume

222

Pages

S584 - S591

Addresses

National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK.

Keywords

RESCEU Investigators, CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes, Humans, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections, Bronchiolitis, Inflammation, Interleukin-8, Interleukin-6, Viral Load, Severity of Illness Index, Immunity, Cellular, Antibodies, Neutralizing, Biomarkers