Paramyxoviruses

1. Parainfluenza
2. RSV
3. Measles
4. Mumps

All contain surface F (fusion) protein, which

causes respiratory epithelial cells to fuse and form multinucleated cells.

Palivizumab (monoclonal antibody against F protein) prevents pneumonia caused by RSV infection in premature infants.

RSV - respiratory syncytial virus

(syncytium created by Fusion protein -> giant cells)

common in infants < 6months

• #1 cause of pneumonia & bronchiolitis in infants

attaches to G protein to infect resp: epithelial cells

Tx -

consider Ribavirin; prophylaxis with Palivizumab in Premature babies

Measles (Rubeola)

extremely contagious

spread by infected droplets from resp: secretions/  virus can remain airborne for serveral hours