Molecular epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus.
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of lower respiratory tract disease in infants. It is unusual in that it causes repeated infections throughout life. Despite considerable efforts there is as yet no satisfactory vaccine available. This paper reviews the molecular epidemiology of the RSV and describes the complex genotypic structure of RSV epidemics. The evolution of the virus is discussed, with particular reference to the antigenic and genetic variability of the attachment glycoprotein.
Division of Immunity and Infection, University of Birmingham Medical School, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. p.cane@bham.ac.uk
P A
PA
Cane
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D018113:Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*