Respiratory syncytial and parainfluenza viruses

Article Abstract:

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the World Health Organization (WHO) sponsored a workshop in 1987 to assess the status of research projects concerning two viruses, the respiratory syncytial virus and the parainfluenza virus. The report focused on clinical aspects, genetic structure, protein function, treatment and vaccine development. The respiratory syncytial (RS) virus infects the breathing structures of infants and children. Epidemics of RS are responsible for costly hospital admissions due to bronchitis and pneumonia. The antibody response to RS, which normally protects the body against reinfection, is not well understood. The only treatment for RS is the antiviral drug ribavirin. The best response is seen when the drug is given early to high-risk children having life-threatening complications. Vaccine development is hampered by the young age at which many children contract RS and the high incidence of infection that can develop after vaccination. Researchers are investigating the use of recombinant virus vaccines and purified protein vaccines to introduce immunity. Antibodies that are made in the body naturally, immunoglobulins, are being assessed for their therapeutic use. Parainfluenza viruses are a group of viruses that cause bronchitis, pneumonia, croup and laryngitis in children. Early vaccines that used inactive viruses to elicit an immune response produced variable antibody production and no real protection was achieved. Purified protein vaccines administered through the nose, as well as live virus vaccines are currently being investigated. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Reports, Prevention, Respiratory syncytial virus, Influenza research, Influenza viruses

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Impact of an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome on a hospital in Taiwan, ROC

Article Abstract:

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in March 2003 in tertiary care hospital in Taiwan (ROC) and its impact posed a challenge for hospitals worldwide. The SARS outbreak was associated with substantial use of resources related to infection control, comparatively less use of resources related to medical care of patients with suspected or probable SARS, and decreased use of routine medical services.

Care and treatment, Analysis, Development and progression, Infection control, Severe acute respiratory syndrome

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The great escape -- AIDS viruses and immune control

Article Abstract:

The AIDS virus can outmaneuver the cytotoxic T-cell response the immune system creates to kill it. Therefore, researchers need to develop treatments that enhance the body's immune response to the virus.

Physiological aspects, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Cell-mediated cytotoxicity, Cell mediated cytotoxicity

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