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 The
Front Line
Respiratory
syncytial virus
by
Leonard E. Weisman, MD
Since
its initial isolation in 1956, respiratory syncytial
virus (RSV) has become recognized as a major health problem throughout
the world. RSV is a ubiquitous pathogen that yearly causes seasonal
epidemics in all ages. Primary infection usually occurs in children
before 2 years of age, with a peak incidence at 2 to 8 months
of age. In older children and adults, RSV generally manifests
as a mild upper respiratory tract infection. However, in immunocompromised
individuals, those with underlying cardiopulmonary disorders,
preterm infants, and other vulnerable groups, RSV can cause severe
or even fatal bronchiolitis or pneumonia. In the United States
alone, RSV results in the hospitalization of more than 100,000
infants and children each year, at an estimated annual cost exceeding
$500 million.
In
recent years, we have witnessed an explosion of new and exciting
information about RSV and its resulting infection. This has led
to improved recognition, prevention, and treatment strategies
and has markedly improved outcomes in our most vulnerable populations.
Clinicians now have the ability to help their patients in a meaningful
way and researchers are pushing the frontiers of science forward
with advances using the latest molecular techniques. Clearly,
the present is better and the future looks brighter as we work
toward the eradication of this disease.
Although
much has been learned about this virus and the host’s response
to it, many hurdles still remain before it can be regarded as
a universally preventable disease.
Adapted
from Contemporary Diagnosis and Management of Respiratory Syncytial
Virus (Leonard E. Weisman, MD and Jessie Groothuis, MD, editors;
2000, Handbooks
in Health Care Co., Newtown PA), a handbook designed to provide
clinicians and researchers with the most current review of RSV
and the disease it causes. Chapter topics include the history,
properties, animal models, epidemiology, risk factors, clinical
characteristics, different diagnosis, pathology, immune response,
laboratory diagnosis, therapy, current prevention strategies,
future prevention strategies, and economics of RSV infection.
Contributors are world-renowned experts in this field.
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