Respiratory syncytial virus infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis; nearly every child has been infected by 2 years of age.

Seasonal outbreaks occur worldwide during winter months in the northern hemisphere, and in the southern hemisphere seasonal outbreaks occur from May through to September.

Characterised by cough, wheeze, respiratory distress, and hypoxia.

Most episodes are mild and self-limiting.

Treatment is mostly supportive: supplemental oxygen, nasal and pulmonary toilet, respiratory support, nutritional support.

High-risk groups for severe illness include infants with a history of prematurity, chronic lung disease, complex congenital heart disease, and immune deficit.

Immunoprophylaxis with palivizumab is available for high-risk groups.

RSV disease in adults is often overlooked but is associated with lower respiratory tract infection, especially in the elderly and those with underlying lung comorbidities.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a member of the Pneumoviridae family. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis.

Symptoms of bronchiolitis include rhinorrhoea, cough, wheeze, respiratory distress, and hypoxaemia.[1]Ralston SL, Lieberthal AS, Meissner HC, et al; American Academy of Pediatrics. Clinical practice guideline: the diagnosis, management, and prevention of bronchiolitis. Pediatrics. 2014 Nov;134(5):e1474-502. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/5/e1474.long http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25349312?tool=bestpractice.com RSV can also cause pneumonia in children and, rarely, in immunocompetent adults.[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Electron micrograph revealing the morphological traits of the RSVCDC/Palmer EL; used with permission [Citation ends].