Respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis: prevention and treatment.
BACKGROUND
Acute respiratory illness due to respiratory syncytial virus is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in very young children worldwide. The virus was discovered half a century ago, yet the underlying mechanisms of the disease are not fully understood and treatment remains supportive.


METHODS
This review article discusses therapeutic and preventive strategies, past, present and future, in the battle against respiratory syncytial virus.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention of severe respiratory syncytial virus infection in high-risk children can be achieved by the administration of specific monoclonal antibodies. Current issues include the management of respiratory syncytial virus infection in those with underlying immunological disease, the prevention of long-term airway morbidity and the development of innovative vaccines.
Faber
Tina E
TE
Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist Medical Center Leeuwarden, Henri Dunantweg 2, 8934 AD Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. tina.faber@znb.nl
Kimpen
Jan L L
JL
Bont
Louis J
LJ
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001990:Bronchiolitis, Viral / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007223:Infant; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D014765:Viral Vaccines