Detection of respiratory syncytial virus defective genomes in nasal secretions is associated with distinct clinical outcomes.

ABSTRACT: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes respiratory illness in children, immunosuppressed individuals and the elderly. However, the viral factors influencing the clinical outcome of RSV infections remain poorly defined. Defective viral genomes (DVGs) can suppress virus replication by competing for viral proteins and by stimulating antiviral immunity. We studied the association between detection of DVGs of the copy-back type and disease severity in three RSV A-confirmed cohorts. In hospitalized children, detection of DVGs in respiratory samples at or around the time of admission associated strongly with more severe disease, higher viral load and a stronger pro-inflammatory response. Interestingly, in experimentally infected adults, the presence of DVGs in respiratory secretions differentia

SUBMITTER: Felt SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9098209 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature