Genetic relatedness of infecting and reinfecting respiratory syncytial virus strains identified in a birth cohort from rural Kenya

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) reinfects individuals repeatedly. The extent to which this is a consequence of RSV antigenic diversity is unclear. Methods: Six-hundred thirty-five children from rural Kenya were closely monitored for RSV infection from birth through 3 consecutive RSV epidemics. RSV infections were identified by immunofluorescence testing of nasal washing samples collected during acute respiratory illnesses, typed into group A and B, and sequenced in the attachment (G) protein. A positive sample separated from a previous positive by ≥14 days was defined as a reinfection a priori. Results: Phylogenetic analysis was undertaken for 325 (80%) of 409 identified infections, including 53 (64%) of 83 reinfections. Heterologous group reinfections were observed in 28 episodes, and homologous group reinfections were observed in 25 episodes; 10 involved homologous genotypes, 5 showed no amino acid changes, and 3 were separated by 21–24 days and were potentially persistent infections. The temporal distribution of genotypes among reinfections did not differ from that of single infections. Conclusions: The vast majority of infection and reinfection pairs differed by group, genotype, or G amino acid sequence (ie, comprised distinct viruses). The extent to which this is a consequence of immune memory of infection history or prevalent diversity remains unclear

SECTION 3: REFLECTING ON PRACTICE - EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION

Editor Sullender introduces two articles that demonstrate the importance of reflecting on our practice as spiritual care givers

SECTION 1: LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRY - Editor's Introduction

For this thirty-eighth edition of Reflective Practice, we invited writers, scholars, and practitioners of the arts of ministry to reflect on questions and issues that face us as we teach and educate people for ministry in the 21st Century.

SECTION 2: THE SOUL OF A CHAPLAIN - EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION

The editor invited chaplains to reflect on how one's soul shapes ministry and how one's ministry shapes one's soul

SECTION 1: A SOULFUL PERSPECTIVE - EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION

Editor Sullender introduces the theme of Volume 37 of Reflective Practice - "A Soulful Perspective"

SECTION 3 - A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Glimpses into developing CPE programs and chaplaincy on other parts of the world

NEXT ISSUE’S THEME: A SOULFUL PERSPECTIVE Volume 37, 2017

Theme for 2017

A Tribute C. George Fitzgerald

Tribute is paid to George Fitzgerald who has been the president of Reflective Practice since its inceptio

SECTION 1 - THE NARRATIVE PERSPECTIVE - Editor's Introduction

The role of narrative in formation and supervision is reflected upon in this section

SECTION 4: CHAPLAINCY EDUCATION - EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION

Editor's introduction to Section 5: Chaplaincy Educatio