Clinical Significance of Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial (RS) virus appears to be the single most important cause of lower respiratory illness during the first year of life. In addition it contributes to acute disease of the upper respiratory tract in older children and adults. Top priority has been assigned to the development of an effective RS virus vaccine. A seasonal incidence and an epidemic pattern of RS virus infections have been observed. Naturally occurring reinfections have also been documented.