Independent and interactive effects of viral species on risk for lower respiratory tract illnesses in early life.

Importance: All children experience upper respiratory tract illnesses (URI) caused by viral infections. However, some of these illnesses progress to the lower airways. Although studies have found infection with certain viral species are more likely to trigger lower respiratory illnesses (LRIs), a comprehensive analysis of viruses underlying early-life LRIs is lacking.

The Puerto Rican Infant Metagenomic and Epidemiologic Study of Respiratory Outcomes (PRIMERO): Design and Baseline Characteristics for a Birth Cohort Study of Early-life Viral Respiratory Illnesses and Airway Dysfunction in Puerto Rican Children.

Epidemiologic studies demonstrate an association between early-life respiratory illnesses (RIs) and the development of childhood asthma. However, it remains uncertain whether these children are predisposed to both conditions or if early-life RIs induce alterations in airway function, immune responses, or other human biology that contribute to the development of asthma. Puerto Rican children experience a disproportionate burden of early-life RIs and asthma, making them an important population for investigating this complex interplay.