RESUMO
Respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children worldwide. The involvement of lower respiratory tract, manifest clinically as bronchiolitis or pneumonia is the hallmark of severe RSV disease. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of RSV among patients visiting King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh. Nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were obtained from patients with acute respiratory symptoms visiting King Khalid University Hospital in the period between 1999 and 2003. Samples were sent to the virology unit for detection of RSV hntigens using direct immunofluorescence test. 19.3% of the nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were positive for RSV. Most of the cases were in the age group 0-6 months [58.9%], followed by age group > 6- 12 months [19.8%]. Seasonal variation showed that most of the RSV cases were predominant during winter and early spring months. Infections with RSV are a common cause of morbidity and mortality among Saudi patients. A better understanding of the epidemiology of RSV infections may be used for timely, specific antiviral therapy and prophylaxis