Exploring the Correlation between the Cycle Threshold value of Syncytial Virus and Paraclinical Characteristics of Patients with Severe Asthma

Background and objectives

Asthma is an important chronic disease of the respiratory tract that can present with different severities. Several factors play a role in its exacerbation; yet, the role of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) on persistent severe asthma is not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of HRSV threshold cycles (Ct) with persistent severe asthma.

Materials and methods

In this study, 100 severe asthma were enrolled, and 45 adults infected with HRSV participated; their demographics (age, sex, body mass index), asthma control status (measured by asthma control questionnaire and asthma exacerbation severity classification), lung tests (spirometric breathing test and exhaled nitric oxide), were recorded. A sputum sample was collected from all participants; after extracting the RNA, real-time PCR was performed and the association of Ct values with the study variables was studied.

Results

The analysis revealed significant correlations between HRSV and clinical parameters such as BMI, FEV1, and exacerbation severity. Specifically, there was a reverse correlation between HRSV and BMI (r=0.492, p=0.03) as well as exacerbation severity (r=-0.481, p=0.02). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between HRSV and PEF (r=0.633, p=0.04), and a notable correlation with FEV1 (r=-0.502, p=0.02).

Conclusion

The study highlights that Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) significantly impacts respiratory health and may worsen asthma in affected patients. Therefore, effective preventive measures, such as vaccination or early treatment, are essential for better asthma management.