September 26, 2012

Comparison of the Etiology of Viral Respiratory Illnesses in Inner-City and Suburban Infants




Abstract

Background. The risk of developing childhood asthma has been linked to the severity and etiology of viral respiratory illnesses in early childhood. Since inner-city infants have unique enviromental exposures, we hypothesized that patterns of respiratory viral infections would also be distinct.

Methods.  We compared the viral etiology of respiratory illnesses in 2 groups: a cohort of 515 infants from 4 inner-city areas and a cohort of 285 infants from mainly suburban Madison, Wisconsin. Nasal secretions were sampled during periods of respiratory ilnness and at 1 year of age and were analyzed
for viral pathogens by multiplex polymerase chain reaction

journal reference (free): OXFORD JOURNALS >>