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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Current respiratory syncytial virus prevention strategies in high-risk infants
1Section of Neonatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. lweisman@bcm.tmc.edu
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes seasonal epidemics and severe illness in vulnerable populations. New prevention strategies and immunoprophylaxis products offer hope, but RSV remains a significant global health challenge.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a ubiquitous pathogen causing seasonal epidemics worldwide.
- Primary infection typically occurs in children under two, while vulnerable individuals face severe bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
- RSV is a significant global health concern, particularly for infants and immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the prevention of serious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.
- To discuss current and emerging strategies for protecting high-risk populations from RSV.
- To evaluate the clinical utility of available immunoprophylaxis products and ongoing research.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on RSV prevention.
- Analysis of clinical data on immunoprophylaxis products like RSV i.v. immune globulin and palivizumab.
- Overview of ongoing research and development for vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and antivirals.
Main Results:
- Two immunoprophylaxis products, RSV i.v. immune globulin and palivizumab, are available for preventing serious RSV infection in high-risk infants.
- Significant progress has been made in understanding and implementing infection control practices, active immunity, and passive immunity strategies.
- Numerous novel agents, including vaccines, super monoclonal antibodies, and antivirals, are under active development.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians can now offer meaningful prevention strategies for vulnerable patients against severe RSV infection.
- Despite advancements, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is not yet considered a fully preventable disease.
- Continued research and development are crucial to further combat RSV and reduce its global burden.
Abstract:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was initially isolated in 1956. Since then it has become recognized as a major pathogen worldwide. It is a ubiquitous pathogen that produces seasonal epidemics. Primary infection occurs in children before 2 years of age. In older children and adults, RSV usually manifests itself as an upper respiratory tract infection. In immunecompromised patients, those with underlying cardiopulmonary disorders, premature infants, and other vulnerable individuals, RSV infection can produce severe bronchiolitis or pneumonia. In recent years we have observed exciting new information about the prevention of serious RSV infection in high-risk infants including infection control practices, active immunity and passive immunity. Two immunoprophylaxis products (RSV i.v. immune globulin and palivzumab) have been developed for clinical use in the prevention of serious RSV infection. Many other agents including vaccines, super monoclonal antibodies, and antivirals are under development. Although clinicians now have the ability to provide their most vulnerable patients with meaningful prevention strategies, much more needs to be done before we can regard RSV as a preventable disease.
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