Association of viral and bacterial respiratory infection with exacerbations of wheezing in young asthmatic children.

W e have investigated the relationship between exacerbations of wheezing and infection of the respiratory tract in young asthmatic children hospitalized at the National Jewish Hospital and Research Center, Denver, Colorado. This prospective study included 32 children, one to five years of age, hospitalized for prolonged observation and treatment of severe recurrent obstructive airway disease. Twelve children were observed from October, 1967-May, 1968, and 20 ( different ) children from October, 1968-April, 1969. Viral and bacterial cultures were obtained at the onset of each acute respiratory illness. Routine control cultures were obtained at set intervals while the children were well. Blood samples were drawn at the onset of each illness, two weeks after each illness, and at other intervals as needed. An average of eight viral cultures and 15 blood specimens were