Current perspectives on respiratory syncytial virus infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most important cause of acute viral bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and children. Management of RSV infection has changed dramatically over the past 5 to 7 years because of (1) the advent of widely available rapid tests for its specific identification and (2) use of the antiviral agent ribavirin (Virazole). Although RSV infection remains a life-threatening disease, particularly in certain high-risk groups, appropriate management and judicious use of ribavirin should help physicians reduce its morbidity and mortality.