Surfactant protein B polymorphisms are associated with severe respiratory syncytial virus infection, but not with asthma
2007

Surfactant Protein B and Severe RSV Infection

Sample size: 131 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Puthothu Beena, Forster Johannes, Heinze Jessica, Heinzmann Andrea, Krueger Marcus

Primary Institution: University Children's Hospital, University of Freiburg

Hypothesis

Are surfactant protein B polymorphisms associated with severe respiratory syncytial virus infection and bronchial asthma in children?

Conclusion

The study suggests a possible genetic link between surfactant protein B and severe RSV infections, but not with asthma.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study found no association between three common SP-B polymorphisms and bronchial asthma.
  • Haplotype analyses indicated a significant association of SP-B with severe RSV infection.
  • The study included a total of 131 children with severe RSV infection.

Takeaway

This study looked at how certain genes might affect children's chances of getting really sick from a virus called RSV, but it didn't find a link to asthma.

Methodology

The study analyzed five polymorphisms in surfactant protein B using statistical tests on children with severe RSV infection, asthmatic children, and controls.

Limitations

The study's sample size for RSV infections was relatively small, which may limit the findings.

Participant Demographics

Children with severe RSV infection, asthmatic children aged 5 to 18, and control participants aged 19 to 40.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.034

Statistical Significance

p=0.034

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2466-7-6

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