Prävention von Infektionen mit dem respiratorischen Synzytialvirus im Kindesalter

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most frequently identified pathogen of lower respiratory tract diseases, including community-acquired pneumonia, in neonates, infants and children in the first 2 years of life. Due to the lack of approved and effective antiviral drugs, the treatment primarily consists of symptomatic measures such as adequate fluid replacement or administration of oxygen. The approval of new monoclonal antibodies and active vaccines significantly expands the possibility of prevention, for the first time including neonates and infants without underlying diseases.