Abstract

Some in vitro studies have indicated a possible link between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and exposure to Nitric Oxide (NO). However, these studies used much higher NO concentrations than normally found in the ambient environment. This preliminary study explored whether an association was present with short-term exposure to NO in the environment. RSV-related admission data between November 2011 and February 2012 were obtained from Sheffield Children’s Hospital. The dates of admission were linked to contemporaneous ambient NO derived from sentinel air monitors. The case-crossover design was used to study the relationship between daily RSV admissions and NO, controlling for temperature and relative humidity. We found little evidence of association between daily RSV admission rates and exposure to ambient NO at different lags or average exposure across several lags. The findings should, however, be viewed with caution due to the low number of events observed during the time frame. It is possible that the apparent lack of association may be accounted for by the timing of the seasonal RSV epidemic in relation to peaks in NO concentrations. A larger study incorporating a wider range of RSV and NO peaks would determine whether said peaks enhanced the number of RSV hospitalizations in children.

Highlights

  • Acute lower respiratory tract infections are the leading cause of child morbidity and mortality globally

  • The human respiratory syncytial virus is a paramyxovirus closely related to bovine and ovine RSV

  • Infection status was determined based on a positive test for RSV using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on nasopharyngeal aspirates

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Summary

Introduction

Acute lower respiratory tract infections are the leading cause of child morbidity and mortality globally. Of the viral pathogens responsible, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is deemed one of the most significant [1,2]. The human respiratory syncytial virus is a paramyxovirus closely related to bovine and ovine RSV. It is believed to be transmitted via inhalation of droplets generated by coughing or self-inoculation into eyes and nose from contaminated hands. The virus only remains viable outside the human host for a short period [2,3]. Though the exact contribution of RSV is uncertain, it has been estimated that annually it is responsible for up to 200,000 deaths [4].

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