RSV-specific anti-viral immunity is disrupted by chronic ethanol consumption

Alcohol-use disorders (AUD) persist in the United States and are heavily associated with an increased susceptibility to respiratory viral infections. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in particular has received attention as a viral pathogen commonly detected in children and immune-compromised populations (elderly, asthmatics), yet more recently was recognized as an important viral pathogen in young adults. Our study evaluated the exacerbation of RSV-associated illness in mice that chronically consumed alcohol for 6 weeks prior to infection.

Source: Alcohol - August 23, 2016 Category: Addiction Authors: Kristi J. Warren, Samantha M. Simet, Jacqueline A. Pavlik, Jane M. DeVasure, Joseph H. Sisson, Jill A. Poole, Todd A. Wyatt Source Type: research