Rev Esp Quimioter 2024; 37(3): 209-220
Microbiological and epidemiological features of respiratory syncytial virus
IVÁN SANZ-MUÑOZ, LAURA SÁNCHEZ-DE PRADA, JAVIER CASTRODEZA-SANZ, JOSÉ M EIROS
Published: 21 Mach 2024
http://www.doi.org/10.37201/req/006.2024
The properties of the main surface proteins and the viral cycle of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) make it an attractive pathogen from the perspective of microbiology. The virus gets its name from the manner it infects cells, which enables it to produce syncytia, which allow the virus’ genetic material to move across cells without having to release viral offspring to the cellular exterior, reducing immune system identification. This causes a disease with a high impact in both children and adults over 60, which has sparked the development of several preventive interventions based on vaccines and monoclonal antibodies for both age groups. The epidemiological characteristics of this virus, which circulates in epidemics throughout the coldest months of the year and exhibits a marked genetic and antigenic drift due to its high mutation capability, must be taken into consideration while using these preventive methods. The most important microbiological and epidemiological elements of RSV are covered in this study, along with how they have affected the creation of preventive medications and their use in the future.
Rev Esp Quimioter 2024; 37(3): 209-220 [Full-text PDF]
