High torquetenovirus loads are correlated with bronchiectasis and peripheral airflow limitation in children.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of torquetenovirus (TTV) infection in a group of children with recurrent lower respiratory tract infections and radiologic evidence of bronchiectasis. Correlations between TTV loads and severity of bronchiectasis and between TTV loads and lung function were evaluated.


METHODS
In 38 subjects, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and plasma tests for TTV detection and quantification were done. In 21/38 subjects, spirometry was also performed.


RESULTS
TTV was found in 31/38 (81.6%) patients. The correlation between TTV loads and severity of bronchiectasis was statistically significant (r = 0.548; P = 0.01). TTV loads showed inverse correlation with FEF25-75% (r = -0.541; P = 0.011), and FEF25-75%/FVC (r = -0.512; P = 0.018). Inverse correlation was found also between severity of bronchiectasis and functional lung parameters: FEF25-75% (r = -0.635; P = 0.002), FEV1/FVC (r = -0.541; P = 0.011), and FEF25-75%/FVC (r = -0.645; P = 0.002).


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated the high prevalence of TTV infection in children with bronchiectasis. Moreover, we have shown a significant correlation between TTV loads and airflow limitation within the peripheral airways, as well as between severity of bronchiectasis and decrease of lung function.
Pifferi
Massimo
M
Department of Pediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. m.pifferi@med.unipi.it
Maggi
Fabrizio
F
Caramella
Davide
D
De Marco
Emanuela
E
Andreoli
Elisabetta
E
Meschi
Silvia
S
Macchia
Pierantonio
P
Bendinelli
Mauro
M
Boner
Attilio L
AL
D000293:Adolescent; D001987:Bronchiectasis / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004266:DNA Virus Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D011859:Radiography; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D022783:Torque teno virus / Q000254:growth & development*; D019562:Viral Load