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Faculty of Health Sciences
School of Medicine
Department of Medical Virology
Respiratory Viruses associated with acute lower Respiratory tract infections
Acute Respiratory tract infections are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in humans worldwide. Respiratory Syncitial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of serious lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in infants and young children including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. No vaccine is yet available. A number of recently discovered viruses such as human metapneumovirus, Coronaviruses and human Boca virus parainfluenza virus, adenovirus and influenza virus also play a role in childhood LRTI. My interest is in determining the significance of the different viral causes in severe lower respiratory tract infections in South Africa by looking at the molecular epidemiology and immunopathogenesis of these viruses in their host. We want to study the role of RSV and the newly discovered viruses as causes of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in different age groups as well as immunodeficient children and adults. By identifying the immunological components that play a roles in host protection and pathogenesis we may be able to identify specific targets for therapeutic intervention and control of the virus. This will hepl us to focus on the development of novel therapeutic agents that may be used to treat these infections.
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