Posted on May 6, 2009 in latest news
The swine flu has affected several people and it has now become a global pandemic. Scientists have now found important clues as to why influenza can affect some people more severely than others. Studies done by the scientists indicate that diminished response of the receptors, which play important role in immune system response, can result in paralyzed immune system and health complications.
Researchers from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania found out that influenza virus can paralyze the immune system and thereby leave the patient exposed to secondary bacterial infections. After the immune system is paralyzed due to influenza, a secondary bacterial infection such as pneumonia can lead to severe health problems and death.
For the study, the researchers studied pediatric patients suffering from severe influenza. Their cytokines levels were examined. Cytokines play an important role in immune response and regulate body’s response to infection. Although the levels of cytokines in the patients was high, the response of toll-like receptors was found to be low (Toll-like receptors are responsible for immune functions of the body).
The study suggests that the diminished response of toll-like receptors causes paralysis of the immune system, leaving the patient exposed to secondary bacterial infections.
The researchers analyzed patients with respiratory synctial virus, moderate influenza, and healthy individuals. They found out that patients with moderate influenza are more likely to have immune system paralysis when compared to patients with respiratory synctial virus.
The scientists say this study explains the reason why 25% children who are infected with influenza die from secondary bacterial infection
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