State Research Center — Institute of Immunology, Moscow, Russia
In this review information on relationships between acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) and attacks of bronchial asthma is presented. The mechanisms of the appearance of virus induced attacks and bronchial hyperreactiveness have been analyzed. The role of the immune response of the body as well as anti-inflammatory and chemotaxic cytokines in the development of bronchial obstruction and hyperreactiveness has been substantiated. The conclusion on the role of ARVI especially induced by respiratory syncytial virus and rhinoviruses, in the development of immune response facilitating allergic sensitization and provoking attacks of bronchial asthma has been made.
Zh. Mikrobiol. (Moscow), 2002, No. 4, P. 84—93