News in Brief Genetics

Faulty gene can turn colds deadly for babies, toddlers

Rare variants hurt ability to detect, fight viruses

sick child

UNEASY BREATHING  Some children have rare genetic variants that can turn their first encounter with colds and other respiratory viruses deadly.

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By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y. — A faulty virus-sensing gene can make the common cold or respiratory syncytial virus deadly for babies and toddlers, a new study suggests.