Work of Paediatric Respiratory Infection & Immunity Group in (inter)national newspapers and TV!

Research Findings

Our latest research paper, led by first author Mischa Koenen and the Paediatric Respiratory Infection & Immunity Group, has been published in the European Respiratory Journal. About ten to fifteen percent of all children suffer from recurrent respiratory infections. When they visit the hospital, blood is drawn to search for antibody deficiencies as an underlying condition. However, this rarely yields useful results. This study highlights the use of saliva testing as a more effective method than blood tests in assessing the severity of recurrent respiratory infections in children. We found no relationship between antibodies in the blood and disease burden. But in saliva, we observed broadly protective antibodies that bind to a variety of pathogens. Children with lower levels of these antibodies had more severe infections.

Microbiome Insights

Besides antibodies, we also examined the balance between healthy and potentially harmful bacteria on the mucous membranes of the airways, also called the microbiome. We found that a specific bacterium on the nasopharyngeal mucosa is strongly associated with the severity of respiratory infections. This bacterium, named Haemophilus influenzae, also colonises healthy airways. However, children with a high abundance of this bacterium on their airway mucosa are more frequently ill in the winter.

Media Coverage

The publication of this work has gained significant attention in both national and international media. Featured in articles and interviews across platforms, including the NOS Radio 1 Journaal, RTL Nieuws, and NU.nl, this study has sparked widespread interest for its innovative approach.

Acknowledgments

We extend our gratitude to all co-authors and contributors to this project and look forward to seeing the continued impact of our research on improving diagnostics for children with respiratory infections.