Blood MxA protein as a marker for respiratory virus infections in young children

Abstract

Blood MxA protein levels are increased in young children with symptomatic respiratory virus infections, including rhinovirus infections. MxA is an informative general marker for the most common acute virus infections.

Is the role of rhinoviruses as causative agents of pediatric community-acquired pneumonia over-estimated?

“…Thus, the final role of rhinoviruses in children's CAP has remained unresolved. Blood myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) level is increased in children with symptomatic respiratory viral infections, including rhinovirus infections, and is a promising method to separate carriers from those with infection [30]. Our finding that rhinoviruses were more common (22.4 %) in healthy controls than in CAP patients suggests that the role of rhinoviruses has been over-estimated in previous, non- controlled, PCR-based studies, and larger, prospective, controlled studies, as well as studies applying MxA or other virusspecific host markers, are needed.…”

Respiratory syncytial virus infections in children 0–24 months of age in the community

“…Extracted RNA was reverse transcribed and the cDNA was amplified using real-time, quantitative reversetranscription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for RSV, rhinovirus, and enteroviruses. 29,30 RT-PCR for influenza A and B viruses was performed for samples collected during influenza seasons. 31 In addition to the RT-PCR tests, a laboratory developed antigen detection test for RSV, influenza A and B viruses, parainfluenza type 1, 2, and 3 viruses, adenovirus, and human metapneumovirus was performed for samples collected in January 2009 or later.…”

Rhinovirus Infections in the First 2 Years of Life

“…Extracted RNA was reverse transcribed and the complementary DNA was amplified using real-time, quantitative PCR for rhinovirus, human enteroviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as described previously (all samples). 21,22 Laboratorydeveloped antigen detection tests were performed for influenza A and B viruses, parainfluenza type 1, 2, and 3 viruses, RSV, adenovirus, and human metapneumovirus for samples collected in January 2009 or later (89% of samples). All specimens collected during influenza seasons were subjected to reverse transcription-PCR for influenza A and B viruses.…”