Definition

Noun: A specific type of virus (a paramyxovirus) that causes cells to merge into large, multi-nucleated masses (syncytia) when grown in a laboratory. It is a major cause of serious lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in infants and young children.

Usage

This term is used in medical, scientific, and general healthcare contexts to refer to the specific pathogen responsible for a common and sometimes severe respiratory illness. - Respiratory syncytial virus is the most frequent cause of hospitalization for infants with breathing difficulties. - The pediatrician explained that the baby's bronchiolitis was likely caused by respiratory syncytial virus. - Researchers are developing a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus.

Advanced Usage

• Abbreviation: The term is very commonly abbreviated as RSV in both written and spoken English.
  • RSV season typically runs from fall to spring.
  • The test confirmed it was RSV.

Variants and Related Words

• RSV: The standard and universally recognized abbreviation for .
• Bronchiolitis: A common, often severe, lower respiratory infection caused by in infants.
• Paramyxovirus: The family of viruses to which belongs.

Synonyms

• RSV: (The primary synonym, used interchangeably with the full term).

Related Phrases

• RSV infection: The illness resulting from the virus.
  • Symptoms of an RSV infection include coughing, wheezing, and fever.
• RSV prophylaxis: Preventive treatment, often with antibody injections, for high-risk infants.
  • Premature babies may receive RSV prophylaxis during the winter months.

Noun

1. a paramyxovirus that forms syncytia in tissue culture and that is responsible for severe respiratory diseases such as bronchiolitis and bronchial pneumonia (especially in children)