Rsv Research Paper

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a viral infection that affects young children and infants, but may also affect adults. RSV belongs to the family of paramyxoviruses and is classified in the genus pneumoviruses. There are at least ten polypeptides of RSV that exist. RSV is an ssRNA, enveloped virus ranging in size from 120-300nm, its envelope contains two proteins and two glycoproteins, according to virology-online. It has two subtypes A and B with, it is believed that subtype A exhibits more severe episodes. The incubation period of the disease is typically three to eight days. The virus attacks syncytium, defined by biology-online.org as “an epithelium or tissue from characterized cytoplasmic continuity, or large mass of cytoplasm not separated into individual cells and containing many nuclei” RSV outbreaks occur around the globe, however, in the United States RSV typically peaks during the …show more content…
Ribavirin (Virazole) is a treatment used for hospitalized infants it is aerosolized and administered via a SPAG (a small particle aerosol generator. The mechanism of action of ribavirin inhibits viral replication through inhibition of viral RNA sequencing. It is exclusively prescribed to young children Gardenhire (2013). Palivizumab (synagis) is a chemoprohylactic drug administered to prevent further lung disease from RSV. It is an F protein inhibitor monoclonal antibody, used in the prevention of severe lower respiratory infection as described from the Synagis pharmaceutical manufacturer website. The drug is administered parenterally in the thigh in the same manner as the flu shot during the RSV season, according to the manufacturer it should be administered every month during the RSV season. Neither of these medications are considered vaccines, however they lessen the severity of RSV’s symptoms for patients with comorbidities that may become complicated while