Phenotype of acute respiratory syncytial virus induced lower respiratory tract illness in infancy and subsequent morbidity

The objective of this study was to investigate the association hypothesis that outcome following respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) induced bronchiolitis (RSVB) and RSV induced wheeze (RSVW) are different. At 3 years respiratory symptoms were more common in those with RSV infection than the control group but there was no increase in allergic sensitisation (11% vs 10%). Those with RSVW were more likely to have evidence of allergic sensitisation when compared with RSVB subjects (22% vs 7%), and have increased symptoms and increased use of inhaled steroids. Conclusion: The data argue that RSV infection during infancy does not induce allergic asthma and that host factors rather than the virus determine long-term outcomes.