Prenatal and childhood infections: Implications for the development and treatment of childhood asthma

Oliver Fuchs*, Erika von Mutius

*Corresponding author for this work
18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Bacterial and viral infections occur early and recurrently in life and thereby impose a substantial disease burden. Besides causing clinical symptoms, a potential role of infection in the development of the asthma syndrome later in life has also been suggested. However, whether bacterial and viral infections unmask host factors in children at risk of asthma or whether they directly cause asthma remains unclear; both viewpoints could be justified, but the underlying mechanisms are complex and poorly understood. Recently, the role of the bacterial microbiome has been emphasised. But data are still sparse and future studies are needed for definitive conclusions to be made. In this Review, we discuss present knowledge of viruses and bacteria that infect and colonise the respiratory tract and mucosal surfaces, including their timepoint of action, host factors related to infection, and their effect on childhood asthma. Childhood asthma could be the result of a combination of altered host susceptibility and infectious agents.

Original languageEnglish
JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine
Volume1
Issue number9
Pages (from-to)743-754
Number of pages12
ISSN2213-2600
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11.2013

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)

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