title: Value of rapid diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus infection on management of small infants.
abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of infection in infancy and early childhood. A presumptive diagnosis of RSV infection can frequently be made on clinical grounds. Confirmation can be made by viral culture, which may take 3 to 7 days. Immunofluorescent assay (IFA) is a specific and sensitive test that can provide laboratory confirmation of RSV infection the same day. Rapid diagnosis of RSV infection may have implications regarding prevention of nosocomial spread of RSV, early initiation of anti-viral therapy, use of antibiotics, and duration of hospital stay. Data are presented regarding the use of RSV-IFA and its effect on patient management.
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses; D010253:Respirovirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents