RSV and the microbiome

Alejandro Diaz-Diaz, Cristina Garcia-Maurino, Alejandro Jordan-Villegas, Jeffrey Naples,  Octavio Ramilo and Asuncion Mejias

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to mankind. It is related to massive use of antibiotics for bacterial infection, in particular respiratory infections. Antibiotics are also used, often unnecessary in case of respiratory viral infections, including RSV infection. However, recent studies suggest that the complex interaction between the respiratory microbiome, the host’s immune response and the virus may have an impact on the pathogenesis and severity of RSV infection. in this paper Diaz-Diaz elegantly reviews the more complex role of potentially protective and pathogenic airway bacteria in patients with RSV infection. Diaz-Diaz et al summarize the current evidence regarding the epidemiologic link, the mechanisms of viral–bacterial interactions, and the associations between the upper respiratory tract microbiome and RSV disease severity. This paper shows that we need to address the complex interplay between RSV infection and the airway microbiome to optimize use of antibiotics and, thereby, improve the short-term and long-term outcome of children with RSV infection.

Download Paper of the Month | July 2019