Respiratory virus infection is one of the leading causes of hospitalizations and deaths. Seasonal influenza virus has been estimated to cause up to 600,000 deaths globally every year. Avian influenza viruses and MERS coronavirus have case-fatality rates of about 40%. Respiratory syncytial virus is particularly important for children and the elderly. Enterovirus D68 has been causing major epidemics around the world in the past few years. Rhinovirus, which was previously thought to only cause mild disease, is now recognized as the most common cause of pneumonia.
In order to combat respiratory virus infections, there is an urgent need for more basic science and clinical research. New generation of diagnostic tests, especially the multiplex platforms, has already uncovered many previously unrecognized infections, which has significantly advanced our understanding on the epidemiology of respiratory virus infection. However, many of the laboratory-confirmed respiratory virus infections lack specific treatments. Currently, antiviral treatment is only available for influenza virus infection. Specific antiviral treatment for respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus is only recommended for patients with severe disease or with immunocompromised conditions. Prevention of respiratory virus infection is also important. Vaccine is only available for influenza virus but not other respiratory viruses.
In this Research Topic, we welcome research articles on respiratory virus infection, related to:
- Epidemiology
- Pathogenesis
- Diagnostics (including biomarkers)
- Therapeutics
- Vaccines
Respiratory virus infection is one of the leading causes of hospitalizations and deaths. Seasonal influenza virus has been estimated to cause up to 600,000 deaths globally every year. Avian influenza viruses and MERS coronavirus have case-fatality rates of about 40%. Respiratory syncytial virus is particularly important for children and the elderly. Enterovirus D68 has been causing major epidemics around the world in the past few years. Rhinovirus, which was previously thought to only cause mild disease, is now recognized as the most common cause of pneumonia.
In order to combat respiratory virus infections, there is an urgent need for more basic science and clinical research. New generation of diagnostic tests, especially the multiplex platforms, has already uncovered many previously unrecognized infections, which has significantly advanced our understanding on the epidemiology of respiratory virus infection. However, many of the laboratory-confirmed respiratory virus infections lack specific treatments. Currently, antiviral treatment is only available for influenza virus infection. Specific antiviral treatment for respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus is only recommended for patients with severe disease or with immunocompromised conditions. Prevention of respiratory virus infection is also important. Vaccine is only available for influenza virus but not other respiratory viruses.
In this Research Topic, we welcome research articles on respiratory virus infection, related to:
- Epidemiology
- Pathogenesis
- Diagnostics (including biomarkers)
- Therapeutics
- Vaccines
