Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Antibodies, IgG, Serum

RSV, also called human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and Human orthopneumovirus is a medium-sized enveloped virus that contains a linear negative-sense RNA genome of the family Paramyxoviridae. It is the single most important cause of acute respiratory tract viral infections in children under the age of two. RSV can cause both lower respiratory tract infections and bronchiolitis. RSV also causes significant disease in healthy adults. RSV causes high morbidity and mortality in elderly patients with
underlying cardiopulmonary illnesses and the immunosuppressed, particularly bone marrow transplant patients. Signs associated with lower respiratory tract infection include tachnypea (fast breathing), hyperinflation, recession, crackles, and expiratory wheezing. Risk factors for severe RSV disease include premature birth, recent heart or lung disease, the presence of multiple siblings in the household day care, having parents who smoke, lower family income and lack of breast feeding.

The detection of RSV specific IgG antibodies indicates current or past infection. However, in children under the age of six months, results should be interpreted with caution since maternal RSV specific IgG antibodies may be present. Therefore, paired sample assay demonstrating a rising titre and/or RSV specific IgM antibodies testing is recommended.

1 ml Serum Room Temperature

Abs not detectable : < 1:10 Titre