Antibodies for prevention and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus infections in children.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection causes respiratory illness in all ages, and is the leading cause of hospitalizations of infants and children around the world. Those at increased risk for severe disease include infants with congenital heart disease, premature infants, children with neuromuscular disease, airway abnormalities, underlying immunodeficiencies and the elderly. Attempts to develop a safe and effective vaccine have been unsuccessful thus far. However, significant progress has been achieved in the field of passive immunoprophylaxis for protection against RSV. This review will concentrate on the past, present and future history of RSV immunoprophylaxis with an emphasis on the role of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies.