What Is Microbiology - Bronchiolitis

​Bronchiolitis 

Bronchiolitis is caused by respiratory syncytial virus.

Respiratory syncytial virus can be detected by identifying of the respiratory syncytial virus antigen in the nasal aspirates or identifying the respiratory syncytial virus specific antibody.

Respiratory syncytial virus will be transmitted by direct contact or respiratory droplets. Infection from respiratory syncytial virus will be localized in the lower respiratory tract. 

Respiratory syncytial virus infection / bronchiolitis is common in infants. Patient may present with coughing, cyanosis and expiratory wheezing. Respiratory syncytial virus may lead to influenza like syndrome in elderly. 

The common complication may include otitis media due to respiratory syncytial virus infection. 

High risk patient to respiratory syncytial virus infection may include neonates, premature infants, infants with cardiopulmonary disease or immunocompromised individual.

Histological studies may reveal the present of multinucleated giant cells.