Respiratory syncytial virus

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes lung infections,(usually called respiratory tract infections). It is the major cause of lung infections and hospital visits in babies and children. There is a medicine that can help prevent the virus in babies that have not been born yet if the doctor is worried the baby may get the virus.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Media

• Video: Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Bronchiolitis

• 

  A phylogenetic tree of the pneumovirus and paramyxovirus families

• 

  RSV structure and genome organization. (a) ~150 nm RSV virion particle and (b) single-stranded negative-sense RNA genome consisting of 10 genes (NS1-NS2-N-P-M-SH-G-F-M2-L).

• 

  Electron micrograph of RSV particle, which has variable shapes

• 

  False-color artistic rendering of RSV. G- glycoproteins are shown in light blue, with F-glycoproteins in orange.

• 

  Schematic image of RSV life cycle

• 

  Lumen of an obstructed bronchiole containing cellular debris and aggregates of sloughed epithelial cells

• 

  X-ray of a child with RSV bronchiolitis showing the typical bilateral perihilar fullness