Wadhwa V, et al. - Researchers conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise evidence regarding the correlation of childhood viral respiratory illness and atopy in the development of persistent wheezing and asthma. Human studies have been included investigating early life associations between atopy and viral respiratory disease with asthma and wheezing outcomes. Nine cohort studies were included with available meta-analysis data in four birth cohort studies. In individuals with atopy vs those without atopy, a stronger connection was found between viral respiratory illness and asthma/wheeze outcomes. A greater differential effect was found when outcomes were considered at younger ages. Nevertheless, definitive conclusions can not be drawn within the limitations of the few available studies. There was also insufficient evidence of the differential effects of early vs late atopy. Further research, in particular regarding virus type, timing of atopy and atopic phenotype would contribute to untangling this complex association.