Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

RSV causes characteristic syncytia in cell culture; serious infant LRTI, occasional rash. Droplet-spread; wide spread/high attack/prolonged; annual/biennial epidemics worldwide.

Common Symptoms

Papulomacular rash; conduction block; respiratory failure; pleural effusion; ataxia; airway obstruction; inspiratory stridor; atelectasis; cyanosis; tachypnea

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: RSV (Paramyxoviridae RNA), 100-140 nm, 32-capsomere nucleocapsid, enveloped, ether/chloroform-resistant; grows in human/diploid/primary monkey kidney cells causing syncytia. (2) Pathogenesis: droplet/direct contact; replicates in nasopharynx; in immunocompromised infants/elderly extends to bronchioles/alveoli → bronchiolitis/pneumonia. Ciliary epithelial injury; immune-mediated (severe at peak maternal antibody; vaccine exacerbates disease). Pathology: ciliary loss, epithelial vacuolization/necrosis, alveolar collapse, interstitial mononuclear infiltrate; bacterial superinfection → neutrophils/pus/abscess/sepsis.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Disinfect respiratory secretions; breastfeeding; live attenuated vaccine (95% seroconversion); temperature-sensitive aerosol strain protective in antibody-positive children/adults.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Dermatology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.