What diseases are caused by the respiratory virome?5 answersThe respiratory virome has been implicated in various diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and avian respiratory disease complex. Studies have shown that respiratory viruses like influenza, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and members of the Herpes and Anelloviridae families can lead to impaired immune responses, exacerbations of chronic conditions, and decreased lung function. In avian populations, avian influenza virus (AIV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) are significant viral pathogens causing respiratory disease complex, affecting economic outcomes. The presence of resident viral populations in the human lung may contribute to the pathogenesis of community-acquired respiratory virus infections, highlighting the impact of the virome on respiratory health.
What diseases are caused by the respiratory virome in the human?5 answersRespiratory virome components, including eukaryotic viruses, bacteriophages, and archaeal viruses, have been linked to various respiratory conditions in humans. These conditions encompass asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and acute exacerbations of chronic pulmonary diseases. Notably, viruses like influenza, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, Herpes family viruses, and Anelloviridae family viruses have been associated with impaired immune responses, exacerbations, and decreased lung function in these respiratory ailments. Furthermore, the presence of high viral loads, co-infections, age factors, and immunodeficiency can contribute to the severity of respiratory viral infections, leading to critical conditions requiring medical intervention.
What are the different types of viruses that are found in the respiratory tract?5 answersRespiratory tract infections can be caused by various types of viruses. Influenza viruses (FLU) are well-known respiratory viruses that cause flu-like illness. There are four common species of influenza viruses: types A, B, C, and D. Other respiratory viruses include rhino/enteroviruses (RHV/EV), human coronaviruses (HCOV-229E, -HKU1, -NL63, and -OC43), respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), parainfluenza viruses (PIV), and adenoviruses (ADV). Rhinoviruses are the most common pathogens causing upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). Additionally, there are human parainfluenza viruses (PIV) types 1-4, human rhinovirus (RV), human coronavirus OC43, NL63, and 229E, human adenovirus (ADV), and human bocavirus (Boca). These viruses can cause a range of respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, and can have a severe course and poor prognosis in hospitalized patients. Monitoring the circulation of respiratory viruses in hospital settings is important for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
What are the symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus?5 answersRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause a range of symptoms in different populations. In children aged ≤5 years, common symptoms include nasal discharge/congestion, cough, shortness of breath, feeding abnormalities, and fever. In high-risk and immunocompromised adults, the most frequently reported symptoms are cough, sputum, dyspnea, and fever/feverishness. RSV symptoms can last for weeks and vary based on geography. RSV infections in infants and children under 1 year of age often present with fever, runny nose, cough, and sometimes wheezing, and can progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Among adults, RSV can cause upper respiratory tract infections, severe lower respiratory tract infections, and exacerbations of underlying diseases. The most common clinical scenario in RSV infection is an upper respiratory infection, but it can progress to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, respiratory failure, apnea, and death, especially in young children.
What is the distance of contact for infection with the virus for the most common respiratory viruses?5 answersThe distance of contact for infection with the most common respiratory viruses varies depending on the specific virus. For SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, close proximity exposure within 0.75 to 1.5 meters can pose a risk of infection, with longer exposures requiring greater distances for safety. In the case of COVID-19, far-field transmission (beyond 6 feet or 1.8 meters) has been found to be significant in superspreading outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of considering both near- and far-field exposure. The average transmission distance for infectious diseases can be estimated using onset dates, generation time distribution, and location information, with estimates ranging from 71 to 142 meters when only a subset of cases are observed. The mechanisms of production and penetration of droplets emitted during respiratory phenomena can contribute to the contagiousness and clinical expression of respiratory viruses, with droplets larger than 5μm following ballistics and smaller droplets remaining suspended in the air. Ventilation plays a crucial role in airborne transmission, with displacement ventilation reducing virus concentration and infection risk compared to mixing or natural ventilation.
What are the common laboratory models used to study poultry respiratory viral infections?5 answersThe common laboratory models used to study poultry respiratory viral infections include mice, guinea pigs, ferrets, pigs, and chickens. These animal models have been established to address research questions that cannot be answered using in vitro models. Each model has its own strengths and weaknesses, which should be considered when selecting the appropriate model for a specific study. Experimental infections with low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) alone or in combination with other pathogens have been conducted in avian models to better understand coinfections in poultry. In addition, a study focused on the impact of coinfections between E. coli and LPAIV in turkeys, which were infected via aerosol to replicate respiratory infection. These models provide valuable insights into the pathobiology of respiratory viral infections in poultry and help bridge the gap between field and laboratory settings.