Podcast
Questions and Answers
The formation of syncytia in RSV infections is primarily attributed to which viral component?
The formation of syncytia in RSV infections is primarily attributed to which viral component?
- Fusion proteins on the viral surface (correct)
- Absence of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase
- Nucleocapsid proteins
- Single-stranded RNA genome
What is the primary mechanism by which RSV causes pathological effects in infected individuals?
What is the primary mechanism by which RSV causes pathological effects in infected individuals?
- Systemic dissemination of the virus leading to multi-organ failure
- Release of neuroaminidase, destroying the protective layer of the respiratory tract
- Production of hemagglutinin that causes agglutination of red blood cells and subsequent inflammation
- Direct viral invasion of the respiratory epithelium followed by immunologically-mediated cell injury (correct)
Which statement accurately describes the role of immunity in RSV infections?
Which statement accurately describes the role of immunity in RSV infections?
- Vaccination is highly effective in preventing RSV in all age groups
- Natural immunity does not prevent reinfection, and certain vaccination attempts may exacerbate subsequent disease severity (correct)
- Natural immunity that develops after an RSV infection prevents future infections
- Passive immunization provides lifelong protection against RSV
A 70-year-old patient with a history of COPD presents with a dry cough, fever, and increasing shortness of breath during the winter months. Considering the patient's history and symptoms, which of the following infections is most likely?
A 70-year-old patient with a history of COPD presents with a dry cough, fever, and increasing shortness of breath during the winter months. Considering the patient's history and symptoms, which of the following infections is most likely?
What is the rationale behind administering monoclonal antifusion proteins (palivizumab) as prophylaxis against RSV in premature infants?
What is the rationale behind administering monoclonal antifusion proteins (palivizumab) as prophylaxis against RSV in premature infants?
The presence of mucus plugs containing fibrin and necrotic material in the smaller airways of infants infected with RSV can directly lead to which of the following pulmonary complications?
The presence of mucus plugs containing fibrin and necrotic material in the smaller airways of infants infected with RSV can directly lead to which of the following pulmonary complications?
Which diagnostic method is most suitable for the rapid and sensitive detection of RSV during the early stages of infection, allowing for timely intervention and isolation measures?
Which diagnostic method is most suitable for the rapid and sensitive detection of RSV during the early stages of infection, allowing for timely intervention and isolation measures?
An infant presents with bronchiolitis due to RSV. Upon auscultation, the physician notes significant wheezing and increased respiratory effort. Which of the following treatments would directly address the underlying pathophysiology of the wheezing in this patient?
An infant presents with bronchiolitis due to RSV. Upon auscultation, the physician notes significant wheezing and increased respiratory effort. Which of the following treatments would directly address the underlying pathophysiology of the wheezing in this patient?
Why does RSV commonly cause more severe symptoms in infants compared to older children and adults?
Why does RSV commonly cause more severe symptoms in infants compared to older children and adults?
Given that RSV lacks hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, which of the following mechanisms is LEAST likely to be directly involved in its pathogenesis?
Given that RSV lacks hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, which of the following mechanisms is LEAST likely to be directly involved in its pathogenesis?
Flashcards
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
A helical, enveloped, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family.
Syncytia Formation
Syncytia Formation
The fusion proteins on RSV's surface cause cells to fuse, forming multinucleated giant cells.
RSV Serotypes
RSV Serotypes
Subgroup A and Subgroup B
RSV Transmission
RSV Transmission
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RSV Pathogenesis
RSV Pathogenesis
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Lower Respiratory Infections in Infants
Lower Respiratory Infections in Infants
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RSV in Adults
RSV in Adults
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RSV in Elderly
RSV in Elderly
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RSV Diagnosis
RSV Diagnosis
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Treatment for Healthy Infants
Treatment for Healthy Infants
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Study Notes
Overview of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- RSV is a helical, enveloped, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus
- The virus belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family
- Key terms associated with RSV include pneumonia, infant bronchiolitis, syncytia, atelectasis, and hacking cough in the lungs
- RSV is the most common cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants
- An important cause of otitis media in children and pneumonia in the elderly and those with coronary heart disease
Properties of RSV
- A member of the Paramyxoviridae family
- Contains a single-stranded RNA genome and nucleocapsid
- Surface spikes are fusion proteins, lacking hemagglutinin or neuraminidase
- Fusion proteins cause cells to fuse, forming multinucleated giant cells called syncytia
- Named for its ability to induce syncytia formation
- Has two serotypes: Subgroup A and Subgroup B
Epidemiology of RSV
- Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets and direct contact with contaminated hands touching the nose or mouth
- Causes outbreaks of respiratory infections every winter
- Occurs worldwide; virtually everyone is infected by age three
- Globally, there are 64 million annual infections, with 160,000 deaths
- Causes outbreaks in hospitalized infants, premature infants, and children under two with heart or lung issues, all at high risk
- Serious disease outbreaks can also occur in the elderly
Pathogenesis of RSV
- Infection is localized to the respiratory tract
- Induces syncytia formation
- Pathologic effect is mainly due to direct viral invasion of the respiratory epithelium, followed by immunologically-mediated cell injury
- Infection of the bronchi and bronchioles leads to mucus, fibrin, and necrotic material formation in smaller airways, causing obstruction
- Natural immunity does not prevent reinfection
- Vaccination may enhance the severity of subsequent disease
Clinical Syndromes of RSV
- In infants, causes lower respiratory diseases like bronchiolitis and pneumonia
- In adults, causes otitis media
- In older children and healthy adults, causes mild symptoms like a common cold and bronchitis
- In the elderly and adults with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases, causes pneumonia
- Causes serious diseases in both infants and the elderly
Symptoms of RSV Infection
- Infants experience lower respiratory symptoms like bronchiolitis and pneumonia
- Adults and elderly people experience otitis media and pneumonia
Diagnosis of RSV
- Diagnosis is based on laboratory findings
- Culture of the virus from nasopharyngeal secretions
- Detection of viral RNA by RT-PCR
- Detection of viral antigen by ELISA
Treatment of RSV
- Healthy infants receive supportive treatment, including oxygen, intravenous fluids, and antipyretics
- Severely ill hospitalized infants may benefit from a combination of ribavirin and hyperimmunoglobulins against RSV
Prevention of RSV
- No vaccine is currently available
- Palivizumab, a monoclonal antifusion protein, is recommended for prophylaxis in premature or immunocompromised infants
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