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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
Respiratory syncytial virus infection in children
Marin Dawson-Caswell1, Herbert L Muncie
1Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA. mdawso@lsuhsc.edu
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes common childhood respiratory infections, often diagnosed through symptoms like cough and wheezing. Treatment focuses on supportive care, with specific high-risk groups eligible for preventative measures like palivizumab.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of pediatric respiratory tract infections, particularly bronchiolitis.
- Most children experience RSV infection by age two, with peak seasons in the Northern Hemisphere from November to April.
- RSV infections are a significant concern for infants and children with underlying health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in children.
- To outline diagnostic criteria, treatment strategies, and prevention methods for RSV.
- To identify risk factors for severe RSV illness and candidates for prophylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, including patient history and physical examination.
- Laboratory tests and chest radiography are generally not required for diagnosis.
- Treatment is primarily supportive, focusing on hydration and oxygenation.
Main Results:
- Typical symptoms include cough, coryza, and wheezing.
- Hospitalization may be necessary for infants under 60 days or those with severe symptoms.
- Antibiotics and corticosteroids are not effective for bronchiolitis; bronchodilators may be used for wheezing.
Conclusions:
- Supportive care is the cornerstone of RSV management.
- Preventative measures like hand washing and palivizumab prophylaxis are crucial for high-risk infants.
- Most children recover fully from RSV infections with appropriate care.
Abstract:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an RNA virus that causes respiratory tract infections in children. In the North- ern Hemisphere, the peak infection season is November through April. By two years of age, most children will have had an RSV infection. Bronchiolitis, a lower respiratory tract infection, is often caused by RSV. An RSV infection is diagnosed based on patient history and physical examination. Children typically present with cough, coryza, and wheezing. Laboratory testing and chest radiography are not necessary to make the diagnosis. Serious concur- rent bacterial infections are rare. Treatment of an RSV infection is supportive, with particular attention to maintaining hydration and oxygenation. Children younger than 60 days and those with severe symptoms may require hospitalization. Neither antibiotics nor corticosteroids are helpful for bronchiolitis. A bronchodilator trial is appropriate for children with wheezing, but should not be continued unless there is a prompt favorable response. Frequent hand washing and contact isolation may prevent the spread of RSV infections. Children younger than two years at high risk of severe illness, including those born before 35 weeks of gestation and those with chronic lung or cardiac problems, may be candidates for palivizumab prophylaxis for RSV infection during the peak infection season. Most children recover uneventfully with supportive care.
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