Natural variability of respiratory-syncytial viruses, their interference and reproduction characteristics

Over a 5-year observation period in a children-institution community, the severity of respiratory-syncytial (RS) virus infection varied within a broad range depending on biological properties of the circulating virus population. The type of virus population was characterized by a complex of biological features, namely, the extent of their reproduction and interference in tissue cultures of different origin at optimal incubation temperature. The dynamics of genetic alterations in respect to these properties within 1976-1980 was established. Moreover, the seasonal variability of the strains with respect to these properties has been determined.