Infections à virus respiratoire syncytial et virus para-influenza : prévention et traitement

Abstract

Controlling the dissemination to children of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenzae virus (PIV) rests mainly on simple hygiene measures such as hand washing and contact precautions. In addition to the nonspecific treatment of bronchiolitis (chest physiotherapy), ribavirin, an antiviral agent active against the RSV and PIV in vitro, is used in clinical practice only by inhalation in severe forms of RSV infection. Anti-RSV immune globulins have been proved effective in preventing RSV infection or its severe forms. The humanized monoclonal antibody palivizumab is used in France in selected patients.