History
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was discovered in 1956 and has since been recognized as one of the most common causes of childhood illness. The virus is a member of the family Paramyxoviridae and the subfamily Pneumovirinae. It is an enveloped RNA virus and two strains (subgroups A and B) are recognized, the clinical significance of which is unclear.
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- Page last reviewed: January 14, 2010
- Page last updated: October 17, 2008
- Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases
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