Respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an enveloped, negative-sense RNA virus that infects the respiratory tract. It commonly causes bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in infants and older adults.

RSV fusion protein: A viral surface protein that mediates RSV entry by fusing the viral envelope with a host-cell membrane. Its prefusion shape enables cell entry and is the main target of protective antibodies.
Nirsevimab: A long-acting monoclonal antibody that protects infants against severe RSV lower respiratory tract disease. It provides passive protection during an infant’s first RSV season.
Infant: A human child in the first year of life. Narrow airways and limited respiratory reserve make infants vulnerable to severe RSV bronchiolitis.
Influenza virus: A group of enveloped RNA viruses that cause seasonal influenza in humans and other animals. Both can cause severe respiratory disease, but influenza vaccines and antivirals have different roles.
Pneumoviridae: A family of enveloped, negative-sense RNA viruses that includes respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus. RSV is classified in this family, which groups related respiratory viruses.
RSV attachment protein: A surface glycoprotein that helps RSV attach to respiratory cells and interacts with host molecules. It contributes to the first contact between RSV and airway cells.
Palivizumab: A monoclonal antibody used to prevent severe RSV disease in some infants at high risk. It is an earlier form of RSV antibody prophylaxis, given repeatedly during the season.
Older adult: An adult in later life, often defined in health research by an age threshold such as 65 years. Age-related immune changes and chronic illness increase the risk of severe RSV disease.
Human metapneumovirus: A respiratory virus in the same family as RSV that can cause upper and lower respiratory illness. It produces similar symptoms, making clinical distinction from RSV difficult.
Orthopneumovirus: A genus of pneumoviruses that includes respiratory syncytial virus. RSV belongs to this genus, formerly classified within Pneumovirus.

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