What is it about?
The research examined the types and numbers of bacteria as well as viruses from the nose of infants at the time of their first airway infection and three weeks later. The duration of symptoms was shorter in infants with a wider mixture of bacteria. It was longer in infants harbouring a mixture dominated by certain types of bacteria. The study showed no clear link between the type of respiratory virus and the duration of symptoms.
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Why is it important?
Respiratory infections in the early years are linked to the development of asthma in later life. The link is not yet completely understood but bacteria living in the upper airways could play a role. It is widely unknown how viruses and bacteria influence each other and how this affects the recovery from respiratory infections. This study helps us to understand that bacteria that naturally live in the upper airways are important for respiratory health.
Perspectives
I found the work on this topic fascinating. It showed me once more that the influence of bacteria on humans is very important. There are still many open questions about the impact of bacteria that naturally live in humans on respiratory health.
Roland P Neumann
University Children's Hospital Basel UKBB
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Nasal microbiota and symptom persistence in acute respiratory tract infections in infants, ERJ Open Research, October 2018, European Respiratory Society (ERS),
DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00066-2018.
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