Occurrence of respiratory syncytial virus subtypes in Mexican infants with acute lower respiratory tract disease

The occurrence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) subtypes in Mexico City was studied by searching for the virus in nasopharyngeal aspirates of 82 infants, less than 12 months of age, hospitalized for acute lower respiratory tract disease with diagnosis of bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia and laryngotracheobronchitis. The presence of respiratory virus was determined by observation of cytopathic effect in cell monolayers; samples which produced a clear syncytia were considered positive and were treated with anti-respiratory syncytial virus serum. Viral infectivity was neutralized in 21 samples which were regarded as having RSV. These specimens were characterized into subtypes A and B with specific monoclonals by indirect immunofluorescence. Subtype A predominated over subtype B, 19 vs. 2. Patients with pneumonia and laryngotracheobronchitis had subtype A and both subtypes were found in infants with bronchitis and bronchiolitis.