Analysis of the gene expression patterns in peripherical mononuclear cells of infants with respiratory syncytial virus infection

Abstract

The study´s main goal is to identify the pattern of gene expression and transcriptional interaction and interactome networks in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, by analyzing the transcriptome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of RSV infected infants compared with parainfluenza virus infection and with a control group of uninfected infants. A cohort study will select children aged between 0 and 6 months, admitted to the University Hospital with acute infection of the respiratory system. Preterm infants, children with a family history of asthma / atopy, patients with comorbidities and / or corticosteroid or immunosuppressant use in the last 30 days will be excluded. Among the selected patients 12 with RSV and 12 with parainfluenza virus detected by viral test in nasopharyngeal secretions (immunofluorescence) will be included in the study. In addition to immunofluorescence (for RSV, influenza, parainfluenza virus and adenovirus), also PCR / RT-PCR (for RSV, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, influenza, rhinovirus and adenovirus) and RSV sequencing/parainfluenza typing will be performed for the included patients. Blood samples will be collected of infants for blood count, blood culture and mononuclear cells RNA extraction for analysis of global gene expression and construction of transcriptional interaction networks. The selection of 12 healthy children for the control group will take place among routine visits including those underwent routine blood sampling for reasons others than infectious or inflammatory events. Clinical protocols will be filled up during the hospitalization period. Follow up phone contacts will be performed one week after the date of discharge from hospital or one week after the date of inclusion of non-hospitalized infants. (AU)