New Delhi, Nov 29 (NationPress) A global team of researchers has uncovered significant evidence indicating that infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during early infancy greatly elevates the chances of developing asthma during childhood. The risk is notably heightened for children who have a familial history of allergies or asthma.

The findings, published in the journal Science Immunology, propose that safeguarding newborns from RSV could lead to a considerable decrease in the prevalence of asthma in later life.

According to Prof. Bart Lambrecht from VIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology) and Ghent University in Belgium, “Childhood asthma is a multifaceted condition influenced by various factors.”

He further elaborated, “Our research indicates that the interaction between early RSV infection and genetic predisposition to allergies creates a specific pathway that predisposes the immune system to asthma. The promising aspect is that this progression can be prevented.”

The research team, which included experts from Denmark, analyzed extensive health registry data from Danish children and their families, alongside controlled laboratory experiments. They discovered that early viral infections and inherited allergy risks can exacerbate one another.

Infants suffering from severe RSV infections in their initial months of life are more likely to exhibit immune cells that overreact to common allergens like house dust mites. This effect is significantly magnified when asthma or allergies are present in the family, as allergen-specific antibodies transferred from parents to the infant further increase sensitivity.

Crucially, the researchers observed that in experimental models where newborns were shielded from RSV, these detrimental immune changes did not occur, effectively preventing the onset of asthma.

Prof. Hamida Hammad (VIB-UGent) stated, “With RSV prevention becoming widely available, we have a unique opportunity to enhance long-term respiratory health, beyond merely preventing RSV hospitalizations.”

She added, “This insight goes beyond laboratory findings; it’s a message aimed at empowering parents to confidently opt for RSV prevention.”

Many countries are implementing maternal vaccinations during the third trimester and passive immunization of newborns using long-lasting antibodies. However, despite their effectiveness in preventing RSV hospitalizations, the uptake of these measures remains inconsistent.

Prof. Lambrecht remarked, “This is a critical moment for policy, science, and pediatricians to unite. If preventing RSV also mitigates asthma risk, the advantages for families and healthcare systems could be substantial.”