Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibodies in different immunoglobulin classes in small children.

Percent of RSV antibodies in the individual immunoglobulin classes and IgG subclasses was determined by ELISA and the immune response to RSV infection was evaluated in children 0-2 years of age. In the first 6 months percent of sera containing IgG-RSV declined to reach minimal in the 7th-9th month, then it rose to 100% in children 2 years of age. Percent of positive IgM-RSV and IgA-RSV gradually increased with age. The IgE antibodies occurred in highest percent (20%) in the youngest children, and showed a tendency to decrease in the next age groups. The IgG-1 antibodies were found in the highest percent of sera, the incidence of other subclass antibodies being lower. Diagnostic increase in antibodies was found in highest number in the IgG class and IgG-1 subclass. In the IgM class the highest percent of antibody increase was detected in 21%, and in the IgE class in about 9%.

The immune response of small children by antibodies of different classes to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) proteins.

A group of 18 paired sera, obtained from RSV-infected children were assayed by Western-Blot for antibodies for RSV proteins in the immunoglobulin classes IgG, IgM, IgA and IgE and in the IgG subclasses. The IgG antibodies for the protein G were found in almost half of the sera tested, while in the other immunoglobulin classes the antibodies occurred in a much lower number of the sera. The antibodies for protein F1 were detected first of all in the IgG class and subclasses. The antibodies for protein N were present in the IgG class of about half of sera and antibodies for protein P were found first of all in the IgG and IgM classes. A relatively high number of the sera contained IgE antibodies for protein M. In the first 3 months of life, the children poorly responded to the infection by the production of antibodies for RSV proteins. The most clear response by various immunoglobulin classes to RSV proteins was observed in children 4-12 months of age.

[The occurrence of viral respiratory tract infections in small children in the season 1992-1993]. / Wystepowanie wirusowych zakazen dróg oddechowych u malych dzieci w sezonie 1992-1993.

In the period October 1992 to June 1993, 361 hospitalized children, under 2 years of age were examined by immunofluorescence method for respiratory viruses. In 163 (54.2%) of cases viral etiology was established. The dates obtained in this season were compared with the results from 7 past seasons. Etiological profile of infections no differ from previous, except lower occurrence infections caused by influenza A virus. The parainfluenza type 1 virus was more frequent in group smallest infants. The expiratory dyspnea was more frequent in children infected with respiratory viruses, especially RS viruses.

[Etiologic profile of viral respiratory infections in small children during epidemic periods 1990-91 and 1991-92]. / Profil etiologiczny wirusowych zakazen dróg oddechowych u malych dzieci w sezonach epidemicznych 1990-91 i 1991-92.

In periods from October 1990 to June 1991 and from September 1991 to June 1992, 551 hospitalized infants and small children were examined by immunofluorescence method for respiratory viruses. In 264 (47.9%) cases viral etiology was established. Like in previous seasons the infections of RS and parainfluenza type 3 viruses dominated. Infections of RS virus were not frequent, and of parainfluenza type 3 virus less than in previous seasons. The increase of percent of infections due to parainfluenza type 2 and 4 viruses were observed.

[Respiratory viral infections in young children 1988-1990]. / Wirusowe zakazenia dróg oddechowych u malych dzieci w latach 1988-1990.

From October 1988 to June 1989 the studies on viral infections of respiratory tract were done in specimens taken from 461 children, aged 0-2 years. Similarly to the observations in previous epidemic seasons infections due to RS and parainfluenza type 3 viruses were dominated. These studies included also influenza type C and parainfluenza type 4 viruses with unknown epidemiology in Poland. The insignificant role of these infections in small children was estimated according to the low ratio of detection in specimens tested--0.4% and 0.9% respectively.

[Respiratory viral infections in young children 1985-1988]. / Wirusowe zakazenia dróg oddechowych u malych dzieci w latach 1985-1988.

In the period from May 1985 to June 1988 the authors (using the immunofluorescence method) examined 848 children aged 0-2 years hospitalized due to infections of respiratory tracts in the II Clinic of Pediatrics of the Pediatrics Department of the II Medical Faculty in the Medical Academy in Warsaw. The most frequent causes of infections in respiratory tracts were virus RS (21.1% of patients) and virus of parainfluenza type 3 (6.5% of patients). An increase in viral respiratory infections took place every year between early autumn and late spring. Virus RS was permanently present in the population examined, though significant increases in the number of children infected by that virus appeared from March to May and from October to January in every year of the examination. An increased incidence of type 3 parainfluenza virus infections usually appeared in September. Among the children examined, the authors also found 25 cases of simultaneous infections by two different viruses. The most frequent combination of infecting viruses were virus RS and virus of parainfluenza type 3.