Development of the studies on relationships between acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory virus infection

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract.It is one of the diseases with high morbidity and mortality in the world.Acute exacerbation of COPD(AECOPD) is an important event in the process of COPD, which often leads to the decline of patients′ quality of life and the increase of mortality.Respiratory virus infection is closely related to AECOPD.Viral infection in patients with AECOPD is characterized by diversity, seasonality and locality.Respiratory virus infection can aggravate COPD by activating inflammatory mediators and participating in immune response.The effects and mechanisms of various viral infections on AECOPD may be different and require further study. Key words: Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; Viruses