Viral infections are less frequent but more severe in people with Down syndrome due to oscillating immune response.
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of extra genetic material from chromosome 21. This extra genetic material leads to the development of physical and mental features that are characteristic of Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome also have an increased risk of certain medical conditions, including heart defects, hearing and vision problems, and immune system deficiencies.
Viral infections are less frequent in people with Down syndrome, but when they do occur, they are typically more severe. This is due to an oscillating immune response, which means that the body alternate between periods of overreactivity and underreactivity to viral infections. This can lead to more serious and even life-threatening infections.
There is no cure for Down syndrome, but treatment can help improve symptoms and health problems associated with the condition. In some cases, people with Down syndrome may need to be hospitalized for treatment of viral infections.
It is important for people with Down syndrome to receive routine medical care and vaccinations to help prevent infections. Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands often and avoiding close contact with people who are sick, can also help reduce the risk of infection.
Viral infections are less frequent but more severe in people with Down syndrome due to an oscillating immune response, according to new research.
Down syndrome is a condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome, and it is the most common form of intellectual disability. People with Down syndrome often have weakened immune systems, which puts them at increased risk for viral infections.
The new study, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, found that the immune response in people with Down syndrome oscillates between being too strong and too weak. This can make it difficult for the body to fight off viral infections.
Researchers examined the blood of people with Down syndrome and found that their adaptive immune response, which is the part of the immune system that responds to new threats, was more likely to overreact to viruses. However, the innate immune response, which is the part of the immune system that is constantly active, was more likely to under-react to viruses.
This oscillating immune response may explain why people with Down syndrome are more susceptible to severe viral infections. The findings could also lead to new treatments for Down syndrome that focus on boosting the innate immune response.
