Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Question 1

RSV infects ciliated epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract and often spreads to the _______ ________ _______ by cell-to-cell transfer.

Answer 1

lower respiratory tract

Question 2

Viral attachment is facilitated by the ____ glycoprotein.

Answer 2

G

Question 3

Fusion between the virus and cell is facilitated by the _____ glycoprotein.

Answer 3

F

Question 4

What are considered the “hallmark” of RSV?

Answer 4

profuse nasal secretions

Question 5

RSV is confirmed using a combination of what 2 tests?

Answer 5

FA staining via the respiratory viral antigen profile and viral cell culture

Question 6

What is the prophylactic treatment for RSV in patients considered “high risk”?

Answer 6

palvizumab- must be administered before the beginning of RSV season on uninfected high risk patients

Question 7

What are four guidelines/comorbid conditions that qualify a patient for palvizumab treatment?

Answer 7

premature birth, congenital airway abnormalities, chronic lung disease, and congenital heart disease

Question 8

What are some additional risk factors for severe infection?

Answer 8

underdeveloped immune systems, low birth weight, male gender, comorbid conditions

Question 9

RSV is the most common cause of what infections?

Answer 9

Lower respiratory tract infections in infants (1-2 years of age)