The human respiratory syncytial virus: an overview

Abstract

Acute respiratory infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Among the main respiratory viral infections, the human respiratory syncytial virus is highly remarkable. This virus is one of the most important pathogens causing infections at the respiratory tract in young children, elderly and immunodeficient patients. Its distribution is worldwide. The epidemics caused by this virus occurs annually during winter in temperate countries and rainy season in tropical ones. The virus is divided into two antigenic subgroups, A and B. Studies on genetic variability are focused to glycoprotein G, due to the high/degree of genetic and antigenic diversity among the different isolates. This virus was reported for the first time in Cuba as the etiologic agent of a bronchiolitis outbreak in 1964. Furthermore, the virus causes mild as well as severe infections in susceptible hosts. Such infections are prevented by using prophylactic drugs, for example; synthetic peptides, humanized monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, and recombinant viral antigens. Nevertheless, the palivizumab which is a humanized monoclonal antibody is the mostly used. The use of this antibody high reduces global hospitalization rates of susceptible hosts. Currently, scientists investigate other drugs having modes of action to different palivisumab.