Associations between genetic variation and immune response in infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI)

All children get infected with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in the first
two years of their lives. Approximately 10% of all children will develop a
lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), 1% needs to be admitted to a
hospital. RSV LRTI is an important cause of admission in young children. At
risk are premature born babies, young children and children with cardial or
pulmonary problems. However, a lot of children who are not at risk will develop
a severe RSV LRTI. Earlier published research showed that polymorphisms in
immunological genes play an important role in the risk of developing a RSV
LRTI. It is not sure if these polylmorphisms cause a different immunological
response in the airways during a RSV LRTI.

Determine associations between genetic variation and immune response in
nasopharyngeal aspirates of infants with RSV LRTI.

If a child is admitted to the hospital with a LRTI, an undiluted nasopharyngeal
aspirate will be collected. Both a RSV test will be done as well as
immunological parameters will be measured (IL-4, IL-4R, IL-13, IL-10, IL-8,
IFN). Cheekmucosa can give information about genetic polymorphisms which play a
role in RSV LRTI.

There is only a minimal risk because there is no extra invasive test necessary.