The effect of age at infection with common herpesviruses on immune function in children in a multi-ethnic population. (360G-Wellcome-083521_Z_07_Z)

There is considerable evidence that early life infections influence subsequent risk of immune disorders, but no large studies using laboratory evidence of infections in the first two years of life. This project will investigate the influence of age at infection with common herpesviruses on immune function. The study will be conducted within the multi-ethnic Born in Bradford cohort. Blood samples will be taken at 12 and 24 months to estimate the age-specific prevalence of CMV, EBV and VZV infec tion. Congenital CMV infections will be identified using cord blood samples. Maternal CMV, EBV and VZV seroprevalence by ethnic group and country of birth will also be estimated using blood samples collected in pregnancy. Antibody response to measles, tetanus and pneumococcal vaccines will be measured at age 2 to provide measures of immune response, and the association with age at CMV and EBV infection will be quantified. This study will help elucidate the role of herpesvirus infections in imm une development and demonstrate how age at infection may influence the risk of immune disorders in later life. It will provide unique population-based data on age-specific prevalence of these viruses and will help evaluate the potential benefits and risks of future vaccine programmes.