Progression of respiratory syncytial virus infection monitored by fluorescent quantum dot probes.

We report the use of quantum dots (QDs) to identify the presence and monitor the progression of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection over time by labeling the F and G proteins. In addition, co-localization of these viral proteins was shown using confocal microscopy. The implications of these results are that QDs may provide a method for early, rapid detection of viral infection and open the door for future studies of the intricate spatial features cell trafficking of viral proteins.