Molecular epidemiology and cellular immunology of respiratory syncytial virus in South Africa.

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major viral cause of severe lower respiratory tract infection in children and there is currently no commercial vaccine available. Research about RSV epidemiology and protective immunology is crucial for the development of effective vaccines and vaccination programs. No information exists about the molecular epidemiology and RSV-specific cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) response in South Africa, which is thought to be essential for the disease-free control of RSV.