Respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis: prevention and treatment.

Background: Acute respiratory illness due to respiratory syncytial virus is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in very young children worldwide. The virus was discovered half a century ago, yet the underlying mechanisms of the disease are not fully understood and treatment remains supportive.

Methods: This review article discusses therapeutic and preventive strategies, past, present and future, in the battle against respiratory syncytial virus.