Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer explains that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an RNA negative-sense stranded enveloped virus. The writer notes that infection with the virus is implicated in the condition bronchiolitis, which is a condition which affects predominantly infants. Often there is little need for laboratory diagnosis as the clinical symptoms and history allow for accurate diagnosis of the condition. The writer discusses the treatment of RSV that currently focuses on treatment of the condition's symptoms. This involves the use of anti-inflammatories to control the fever, and bronchodilators or corticosteroids to control the effects present in the pulmonary system. The writer concludes that there is currently no preventative vaccine for RSV although there have been developments relating to prophylactic medication which can be administered to at risk children.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Micro-Organism
Transmission
Symptoms
Pathology of the Disease
Onset and Incubation Period
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention

From the Paper:

"RSV is transmitted in respiratory secretions. This means that it may be contracted through close contact with anyone who has the infection, or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. The fact that the virus is able to survive for only short periods outside the body reduces the probability of contracting the virus through contact with surfaces. Infection occurs when the infected respiratory secretions come into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth or nose. It is possible that the disease may also be transmitted through inhaling droplets from the coughs or sneezes of infectious persons.
"In areas which have the correct type of temperate climate to encourage proliferation, community outbreaks of RSV occur. These usually begin in the fall and may last from four to six months."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2005) Respiratory Syncytial Virus. National Center for Infectious Diseases: Respiratory and Enteric Viruses Branch. Retrieved on November 11, 2007, from: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/rsvfeat.htm.
• Feltes, T.F. and Sondheimer, H.M. (2006) Palivizumab and the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus illness in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 7(9): 1471-1480.
• Flynn, J.D., Akers, W.S., Jones, M., Stevkovic, N., Waid, T., Mullett, T. and Jahania, S. (2004) Treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus pneumonia in a lung transplant recipient: Case report and review of literature. Pharmacotherapy. Retrieved on November 11, 2007, from: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/482817?src=mp.
• Health-Cares.net (2005) "How is RSV infection diagnosed?" Retrieved on November 11, 2007, from: http://respiratory-lung.health-cares.net/rsv-infection-diagnosis.php.
• King, V.J., Viswanathan, M., Bordley, W.C., Jackman, A.M., Sutton, S.F., Lohr, K.N. and Carey, T.S. (2004) Pharmacologic treatment of bronchiolitis in infants and children. Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine, 158(2): 127-137.

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