Background Virus-induced inflammation contributes to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pathogenesis. We sought to determine the specific mediators that are associated with more severe illness in young children. Methods Children ≤ 5 yrs of age seen in our emergency department for respiratory symptoms from September 1998 to May 2008 were eligible for enrollment. Nasopharyngeal (NP) wash samples were collected from all eligible patients, and clinical data were recorded. Individuals were included in this study if NP wash samples were positive for RSV only. Patients enrolled in the study were stratified by disease severity, defined as mild (not hospitalized), moderate (hospitalized), or severe (requiring ICU stay). Concentrations of individual inflammatory biomarkers in NP wash fluids were determined using the Luminex human 30-plex assay. Results 851 patients met study criteria; 268 (31.5%) with mild, 503 (59.1%) with moderate, and 80 (9.4%) with severe illness. As expected, illness severity was directly associated with young age, prematurity, heart or lung disease, infection with RSV group A, and elevated concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2R, IL-6, CXCL8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-α, CCL3, CCL4, and CCL2. In addition, we report several novel and mechanistically important inflammatory biomarkers of severe RSV disease, including IL-1β, IL1-RA, IL-7, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Conclusions In a large, longitudinal study (10 years, 851 enrolled patients) limited to RSV infection only, in which well-known risk factors are confirmed, we identified five novel biomarkers specifically of severe disease. These markers may ultimately serve to elucidate disease mechanisms.

Adenovirus infection causes an array of clinical disease and is associated with local production of several proinflammatory cytokines. The observation that nasal wash IL-8 and IL-1alpha concentrations were higher in patients requiring hospitalization suggests that these mediators contribute to disease severity.

To determine factors associated with obstetric provider recommendation of pertussis vaccine (Tdap) to their pregnant patients following the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation that Tdap be given in the third trimester of each pregnancy. Obstetric providers across New York State anonymously completed a standard set of questions to assess vaccine recommendation knowledge and practice. Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistical methods were used to define provider characteristics, knowledge and vaccine practices. Factors associated with recommendation were analyzed using odds ratios. 133 obstetric providers were included in the study. 11% and 13% expressed concern with pertussis vaccine safety and efficacy, respectively, in pregnant women. 92% of obstetric providers stated that they knew ACIP recommendations for Tdap during pregnancy, 80% recommended Tdap to all eligible patients, but only 67% provided Tdap vaccine in their office. Provider knowledge of recommendation (OR 23.33), routine provider recommendation of influenza vaccine (OR 12.5), and administration of pertussis vaccine in the office (OR 7.01) were all factors strongly associated with routine provider recommendation of Tdap vaccine to eligible pregnant women (P < 0.05). Providers expressed concerns with cost of Tdap, the need to administer Tdap with each pregnancy, vaccine safety, low incidence of pertussis in the area, and administration of pertussis vaccine at the hospital after delivery. Educational programs are needed to improve provider vaccine confidence and recommendation.