RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS PATHOLOGY, TREATMENT AND POSSIBILITY OF PROPHYLAXIS BY VACCINATION

Abstract

Background: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality among children under one year old, in the context of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) of viral etiology. RSV belongs to the family Pneumoviridae, order Mononegavirales and is a filamentous enveloped virus in the genus Orthopneumovirus. Methods: We screened PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), ScienceDirect and Google Scholar clinical trials in different phases and several national and international guidelines on the subject of treatment and prevention of RSV infections, using specific keywords. Results: Several methods have been tried over time to achieve primary prophylaxis in the case of RSV. Longacting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), active immunization of children and passive immunization of newborns through maternal immunization were among the tested methods. For the geriatric and immunocompromised patients, three approaches were used in the search for a vaccine: nucleic acids, subunits of the nucleic acids and other vectors to create a safe and efficient product. For the groups at risk, RSV immunization would be the most efficient form of prevention. As a result, understanding the viral structure and its interaction at the cellular level is critical. The virus can connect to a variety of receptors, demonstrating the complexity of the pathogenic process by which it expresses itself, CX3 chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), annexin II and Toll-like receptors being among the most well-known. Conclusions: Although multiple vaccines are being tested in clinical trials for neonates, geriatric patients and patients with comorbidities, none is currently licensed. Palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody authorized in 1998, is now used for prophylaxis.