Respiratory syncytial virus in a community population: circulation of subgroups A and B since 1965.

Respiratory syncytial viruses were isolated from residents of Tecumseh, MI, with illnesses of all severities during the periods 1965-1971 and 1976-1981. These isolates were grouped using one monoclonal antibody specific for each subgroup. All were identified as either subgroup A or B. Subgroup A predominated in most years. No differences in age distribution or illness characteristics could be found between the subgroups. This study demonstrated that the currently recognized subgroups have been present in a single community since 1965, and their behavior in the past is similar to that currently described.