Seminars in respiratory infections
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Semin Respir Infect · Dec 1995
ReviewRespiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus infections in the immunocompromised host.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza virus (PIV) are common causes of respiratory infections in immunocompetent children under the age of 6 years. These viruses belong to a family of enveloped single-stranded RNA viruses, the paramyxoviruses. The clinical manifestations in the normal host range from mild illness to severe croup, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. ⋯ Clinical trials have shown ribavirin to be of benefit in treating infants infected with RSV. However, clinical trials in immunocompromised patients infected with RSV or PIV have not been carried out. Since infection with RSV and PIV can be severe and life-threatening and treatment with ribavirin is relatively benign, it seems warranted to treat immunocompromised patients infected with RSV or PIV with ribavirin until otherwise proven unwarranted.