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Updated: May 29, 2026
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
Impact of respiratory syncytial virus: the nurse's perspective
Marianne Bracht1, Debbie Basevitz, Marilyn Cranis
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada. mbracht@mtsinai.on.ca
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes severe infections in infants. Early identification and prevention strategies, including palivizumab prophylaxis for high-risk infants, are crucial for reducing transmission and improving outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants globally.
- Infants, particularly within the first two years of life, are highly susceptible to serious health risks from RSV.
- Specific infant populations and additional risk factors elevate the likelihood of severe RSV infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the critical need for reducing RSV transmission due to limited treatment options.
- To underscore the importance of educating healthcare professionals and caregivers on RSV risks and prevention.
- To highlight the necessity of identifying high-risk infants for targeted interventions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current understanding of RSV epidemiology and impact.
- Emphasis on nursing roles in education and risk identification.
- Discussion of existing prophylaxis strategies, specifically palivizumab.
Main Results:
- Education of healthcare professionals and caregivers is vital for RSV risk reduction.
- Effective identification of high-risk infants is essential for timely intervention.
- RSV prophylaxis (RSVP) with palivizumab demonstrates improved clinical outcomes in high-risk infants.
Conclusions:
- Reducing RSV transmission is paramount due to limited treatment options.
- Comprehensive education and identification of high-risk infants are key nursing priorities.
- Palivizumab prophylaxis offers a significant benefit for high-risk infants, mitigating severe outcomes.
Abstract:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus, and is the major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and toddlers worldwide. RSV infection poses serious health risks to young children during the first 2 years of life. Several infant populations have been classified as high risk, and additional risk factors are known to increase the likelihood of severe RSV infection. Treatment for active RSV infection is limited to the symptoms of infection rather than the underlying cause; therefore, it is critical to reduce the transmission of RSV. As nurses, we highlight the importance of educating healthcare professionals, both in the hospital and community settings, as well as parents and other caregivers about the risks and outcomes associated with RSV infection, and necessary measures to decrease the risk of infection. We also highlight the importance of the successful identification of those children who are at high risk of RSV infection. RSV prophylaxis (RSVP) with palivizumab has been shown to improve clinical outcome in infants who are considered high risk compared with those who have not received RSVP. The failure of healthcare staff and primary caregivers to protect children against an RSV infection can have lasting detrimental effects on the health and lives of affected children and their families.
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