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Respiratory syncytial virus: diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Lea S Eiland1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy, Huntsville, Alabama.

The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics : JPPT : the Official Journal of PPAG
|October 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes significant illness, especially in young children. While supportive care is common, options like palivizumab exist for high-risk infants, and new vaccines are in development.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a prevalent respiratory pathogen affecting all age groups.
  • Infants and young children are particularly susceptible to severe RSV-related respiratory illness.
  • RSV infections lead to substantial healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and hospitalizations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the current understanding of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) epidemiology and clinical impact.
  • To review existing treatment and prophylaxis strategies for RSV infections.
  • To highlight the unmet needs and future directions in RSV therapeutics and prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of RSV epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and management.
  • Analysis of current treatment options, including supportive care, ribavirin, and palivizumab.
  • Discussion of ongoing vaccine development and future therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • RSV is a leading cause of respiratory illness in young children, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality.
  • Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment for most RSV cases.
  • Palivizumab offers prophylaxis for high-risk infants, reducing hospitalizations.

Conclusions:

  • Despite its prevalence, no current medication or vaccine effectively reduces RSV mortality.
  • Immunocompromised patients require special consideration for RSV treatment.
  • Development of effective vaccines and novel therapeutics is crucial to alleviate the burden of RSV.

Keywords:
childinfantmotavizumabpalivizumabribavirin

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