RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS INFECTION IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus• is distinguished as a member of the pneumovirus, genus of the family paramyxoviridae. It is non segmented negative strand RNA virus that appeared to be the major cause of widespread outbreaks of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and young children. The virus possesses both apoptotic and antiapoptotic properties. This study aimed to detect the rate ofRSV infection in children less than 5 years old and also to determine the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of respiratory tract infection caused by RSV in children. This study included 45 patients suffering from symptoms and signs of respiratory tract infection and 10 patients free from symptoms and signs of respiratory tract infection were selected as control group. All patients were subjected to the followings:

1- Full medical history taking.

2- Full clinical examination.

3- Radiologic examination (Chest X-ray).

4- Laboratory examination:

A- Nasopharyngeal aspirate sample collection and transport.

8- Direct immunofluorescence technique.

C- Diagnosis of RSV infection by cell culture technique. i- Study of the CPE ofRSV on HEP-2 cell line. ii-Virus identification by immunoflurorescence after cell

culture.

D- Assessment of apoptosis by using:

i- Giemsa staining.

ii- Agarose gel electrophoresis for DNA fragmentaton.