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The serious lung infection bronchiolitis affects 33 million babies worldwide each year. It is often caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). New research to help prevent and treat RSV aims to save babies’ lives – and reduce the heartache families experience when a baby is seriously ill.

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Categories

  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Medical Research Medical Research
  • Beneficiaries

    • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
    • Infants (<2) Infants (<2)

    Situation

    Bronchiolitis affects 33 million babies worldwide every year. It is often caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but little is known about why some children develop life-threatening infections while others have mild symptoms. Babies born prematurely are especially at risk: what seemed to be a simple cold led to baby Ella being rushed into hospital aged just 4 weeks, and put on life support after RSV took hold. She survived but her mum was ‘absolutely petrified’ they would lose her.

    Solution

    We’re supporting Dr Donald Davidson and his team at Edinburgh University to investigate the protective effects of cathelicidin, an anti-viral compound. The team are building on their previous discovery about this substance, which – present in a baby or child’s nose – is thought to act as a ‘natural shield’ against RSV infection. Dr Davidson explains: “Understanding why some children are more susceptible to severe RSV infections could lead to new ways to protect babies from serious illness”.

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    100%
    Categories

  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Medical Research Medical Research
  • Beneficiaries

    • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
    • Infants (<2) Infants (<2)