Respiratory syncytial virus

 

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RSV infection is one of the main causes of mortality in children especially in developing countries.

There is one serotype ( two genotypes).

It is one of the commonest causes of Bronchiolitis.

Transmission

Transmission- directly through respiratory route or indirectly through contaminated fomites.

Incubation period is between 2 to 8 days.

 

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Clinical presentations

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It mainly affects children.

Adults may develop asymptomatic or mild infection.

 

The common presentations includes

Mild fever.

Coryzal symptoms: sneezing and runny nose

Sore throat

Significant number of children have RSV infection as a cause of otitis media.

 

The other syndrome associated with RSV are

Bronchiolitis

• Shortness of breath
• Tachypnoea
• Wheezing

 

Pneumonitis

• Shortness of breath
• Tachypnea
• Flaring of ala nasi, use of accessory respiratory muscles

 

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Investigation

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Diagnostic testing

Nasal/ nasopharyngeal aspirate or swab for IF, Virus isolation or PCR

 

Screening

Not routinely done.

Some centres screens bone marrow transplant patients for respiratory infection especially in the first 30 days of transplant.

 

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Treatment 

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Supportive.

Oxygen

Respiratory isolation.

Antipyretics

Bronchodilators

Steroid

Ribavirin and/or RSV specific immunoglobulin can be used to treat immunocompromised  patients with severe infections.

 

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Prevention 

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There is no effective and safe vaccination.

RSV specific immunoglobulin can be used to prevent mortality in children prematurely delivered or children with chronic lung problems.

 

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