Signs tied to severe cases of respiratory syncytial virus in kids identified

New Delhi (Uttam Hindu News) : A team of researchers from Brigham and Boston Children’s Hospital in the US has identified critical signs linked to more severe cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children. They discovered an increase in natural killer (NK) cells in the airways of children suffering from severe RSV, indicating that these cells may contribute to the severity of the illness. RSV is a major cause of hospitalization in young children due to respiratory issues like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, yet the reasons why some children develop more severe symptoms remain unclear.

The study, published in *Science Translational Medicine*, highlights that NK cells, while vital first responders during viral infections, may also contribute to lung inflammation, worsening disease severity. Similar trends have been observed in severe COVID-19 cases, where increased NK cells were linked to worsened symptoms. These findings pave the way for further research into NK cells as potential targets for future treatments aimed at mitigating severe viral respiratory infections.

The researchers found that children with severe RSV had higher levels of NK cells in their airways but lower levels in their blood, with the cells themselves showing altered appearance and functionality. As pediatric RSV cases surged post-pandemic, the study underlines the importance of preventive vaccines, now available for children under 19 months, adults over 60, and pregnant individuals.