RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS INFECTIONS IN OSLO 1972–1978

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection was diagnosed in 464 children admitted to hospital with acute respiratory disease from autumn 1972-spring 1978. The virological surveillance was approximately 70%. RSV infections usually occurred in distinct outbreaks in late autumn and winter together with a marked increase in the number of children admitted to hospital with acute lower respiratory tract disease. The incidence in children less than 1 yr of age was about 10/1000 children per yr. Spread of the infection throughout the city was discernible in 2 outbreaks. More children than expected with siblings were admitted to hospital because of RSV infection, but no correlation was observed with other socioeconomic factors. A negative correlation was observed between RSV disease and mean air temperature and hours of sunshine per month. Rapid immunofluorescence diagnosis of RSV on cells from nasopharyngeal secretions was adopted and became comparable to cell culture technique. The rapid method was an important adjunct to the clinical management of these patients.