Analysis of the Association Among Air Pollutants, Allergenic Pollen, and Respiratory Virus Infection of Children in Guri, Korea During Recent 5 Years

Abstract

Purpose Concerns about the spread of infectious diseases have increased due to the coronavirus disease pandemic. Knowing the factors that exacerbate or increase the contagiousness of a virus could be a key to pandemic prevention. Therefore, we investigated whether the pandemic potential of infectious diseases correlates with the concentration of atmospheric substances. We also investigated whether environmental deterioration causes an increase in viral infections. Methods Pediatric patients (0–18 years old; n = 6,223) were recruited from those hospitalized for aggravated respiratory symptoms at Hanyang University Guri Hospital between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. The number of viral infections was defined as the total number of virus-infected patients hospitalized for respiratory symptoms. We analyzed the association between the number of viral infections/week and the average concentrations of atmospheric substances including particulate matter (PM)10, PM2.5, O 3 , NO 2 , CO, SO 2 , and allergenic pollen) for that week. The cross-correlation coefficient between the weekly measures of pollens and viral infections was checked to determine which time point had the most influence. The association of atmospheric substances in that time, with the number of viral infections/week was investigated using multiple linear regression analysis to identify factors with the greatest influence. Results In spring the tree pollen average concentration one week earlier (t-1) had the greatest correlation with the average virus infection of a given week (t) ( ρXY ( h ) =0.5210). The number of viral infections showed a statistically significant correlation with especially tree pollen concentration of 1 week prior (adj R 2 =0.2280). O 3 concentration was correlated to the number of viral infections within that week (adj R 2 =0.2552) in spring, and weed pollen and CO concentration correlated (adj R 2 =0.1327) in autumn. Conclusions Seasonal co-exposure to air pollutants and allergenic pollens may enhance respiratory viral infection susceptibility in children. Therefore, reducing the concentrations of air pollutants and pollens may help prevent future epidemics.

Age-Specific Characteristics of Adult and Pediatric Respiratory Viral Infections: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

“…They may also be due to age-associated changes in immune responses that occur as a consequence of advanced age [ 15 ]. In addition, recent studies have demonstrated that exposure to air pollution and pollen affects viral infection [ 16 , 17 ]. This difference in the environment of the patients also affects the degree and type of viral infection.…”

Impact of climate change on paediatric respiratory health: pollutants and aeroallergens

“…Children face a higher risk of acute asthma exacerbation hospitalisation when viral infection and high allergen exposure coincide [ 138 ]. Respiratory viral infections are also linked with co-exposure to tree pollen and pollutants [ 139 ]. A pilot study indicated that upper respiratory infections might heighten allergen sensitisation in children with IgE-mediated food allergies [ 140 ].…”

Addressing adverse synergies between chemical and biological pollutants at schools—The ‘SynAir‐G’ hypothesis

“…43 However, pollen exposure is associated with an increased risk of viral infections, including both rhinoviruses (RVs) and SARS-Cov2. 41,[44][45][46] Therefore, when evaluating the impact of combined exposures, it is important to consider the immune background of individuals or groups, as well as the type and sequence of exposures.…”

“…Timing of exposure appears to be crucial, as both in vitro 19 and in vivo 18 studies showed that synergy may not occur when allergen exposure happens first. Interestingly, recent observations suggested that allergen exposure, in sensitized individuals, may in fact protect them from infection with SARS‐CoV2! 43 However, pollen exposure is associated with an increased risk of viral infections, including both rhinoviruses (RVs) and SARS‐Cov2 41,44–46 . Therefore, when evaluating the impact of combined exposures, it is important to consider the immune background of individuals or groups, as well as the type and sequence of exposures.…”