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Virus Reference and Surveillance Laboratory (VRSL)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Clinical Virology Program

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Electron micrograph of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) virion at a cell membrane

Electron micrograph of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) virion at a cell membrane
Courtesy of Roberto Garofalo, M.D., Professor and Vice Chair for Research, Department of Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology, Scientist, Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX

Contact Information

Lab Director:
Kirsten St. George M.App.Sc., Ph.D.
(518) 869-4520

Cell-Based Testing Supervisor:
Kim Rush-Wilson
(518) 869-4559

Molecular Testing Supervisor:
Meghan Fuschino, M.S.
(518) 869-4559

Certification Information

CLIA # 33D0654341
PFI # 1067
WHO Collaborating Laboratory
Disease:
  • Acute respiratory tract infection with fever, cough, runny nose, and fatigue
  • Usually presents in infants and young children as either bronciolitis or pneumonia
Transmission:
  • Contact with infectious material or inhalation of virus-containing aerosols
Vaccination:
  • None
Age Association:
  • Infants and young children (lower respiratory tract infection)
  • Older children and adults (upper respiratory tract infection caused by reinfection)
Geographic Distribution:
  • Worldwide, with epidemics occuring every 3-5 years.
Seasonal Distribution:
  • Temperate climates: winter and spring, lasting 2-3 months
  • Other regions: rainy season
Preferred Specimens:
  • Nasopharyngeal swab, wash, or aspirate, oropharyngeal swab, bronchial wash
Collection and Shipping:
Test Methods: Culture:
  • Conventional tube culture
  Antigen Detection:
  • EIA for direct antigen detection
Links of Interest: