Abstract

A REVIEW ON "THE GLOBAL IMPACT OF RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF CURRENT KNOWLEDGE"

Galaba Yamini Padmasri, B. Thangabalan, Muppuri Venkateswarlu, Kasparaj
Tanuja, Chityala Samyuktha, Shaik Nagur Baji , Bokka Vijay asree and Kammela
Harika 

ABSTRACT

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a form of a single-stranded RNA virus that has two subtypes; A and B, and it affects the respiratory tract which results in the patient spending time in a hospital. Those who are more vulnerable to this illness are the elderly, infants, and those suffering from weak immune symptoms. It accounts for bronchiolitis in young children and respiratory complications in older adults. One of the key characteristics of RSV is its capability of escaping any long-term immunity which results in continuous reinfections through different stages of life. As for subtype A, it is more virulent than B which means that RSV infection will be more severe. The replication cycle of RSV G and F must happen within the host cell membrane where they are released into the cytoplasm. Once it occurs, the virus can replicate and make new viral components. G and F serve as RSV surface glycoproteins which aid in the attachment of the host cell. At present, there are no direct antiviral therapies for RSV, and the treatment is primarily supportive, managing oxygen needs and providing mechanical ventilation in extreme cases. Developing types of treatment such as nebulized hypertonic saline, Heliox therapy, andmonoclons including Nirsevimab have the likely potential to reduce symptoms and provide infection prophylaxis to certain high-risk groups. The use of other antiviral agents such as Ribavirin is controversial because of possible toxic effects and alleged low efficacy. Additional treatment with corticosteroids and bronchodilators is of questionable clinical usefulness. Diagnostic techniques for RSV consist of antigen testing, PCR, and viral cultures, with PCR testing offering the best sensitivity and specificity. With all the advancements in scientific research, RSV is still a worldwide health issue, especially in less economically developed countries, and remains one of the leading causes of respiratory tract infections across the globe.

Keywords: Respiratory syncytial virus, Viral cultures, Molecular testing, Antigen testing, Wheezing, Single-Stranded RNA, Respiratory infections, Hematopoietic stem cell, Immunoglobulins, Orthopneumovirus, Polymerase Chain Reaction.