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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Micro-neutralization Assay
Published on: January 26, 2019
Prevention of respiratory syncytial virus infection
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe respiratory illness in Canadian infants. Palivizumab, an antibody treatment, can lower hospitalization rates for high-risk infants during their first RSV season.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the primary cause of lower respiratory tract infections in young children.
- Premature infants and those with risk factors face significant hospitalization rates from RSV in Canada.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on palivizumab for RSV prevention in infants.
- To provide recommendations for Canadian physicians on using palivizumab for at-risk infants.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published studies on palivizumab efficacy and use.
- Development of clinical recommendations based on evidence.
Main Results:
- Palivizumab, an RSV-specific monoclonal antibody, reduces hospitalization and illness severity.
- Treatment benefits a select group of high-risk or premature infants during their initial RSV season.
Conclusions:
- Palivizumab is an effective intervention for a specific population of infants at high risk for severe RSV.
- Guidance is provided for Canadian physicians on appropriate palivizumab use in vulnerable infants.
Abstract:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in young children, with significant numbers of premature infants and those with other risk factors requiring hospitalization in Canada each year. Palivizumab, an RSV-specific monoclonal antibody, can reduce the hospitalization rate and severity of illness for a small group of high-risk or premature infants during their first RSV season. The present statement reviews the published literature and provides recommendations regarding its use in premature and other at-risk infants, for Canadian physicians.
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