The most common cause of the common cold, the rhinovirus, increases its chances of infecting someone who lacks immunity by simultaneously circulating many versions of itself, according to new research from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.
“With viruses like SARS-CoV-2 or influenza, one variant will dominate for a while and then another takes over, and it, in turn, is replaced by another,” said Dr. Alex Greninger, professor of laboratory medicine and pathology, who led the study. “Rhinovirus, on the other hand, appears to flood the zone with many discrete variants circulating in the community at the same time. It’s a way to overcome your defenses with sheer numbers.”
The findings were published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Although the rhinovirus is the most common cause of upper respiratory infections, relatively little is known about how it evolves and spreads. In their study, the researchers analyzed nasal swabs taken at Seattle-area collection sites during the COVID-19 pandemic.
