Palivizumab is given as monthly intramuscular injections during the respiratory syncytial virus season to protect high-risk infants. It works by targeting which viral component?

• A The G attachment glycoprotein
• B The SH small hydrophobic protein
• C The N nucleoprotein
• D The F fusion glycoprotein ✓

Explanation

Palivizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the A antigenic site of the RSV fusion (F) glycoprotein. By binding prefusion F it prevents fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane, blocking entry and cell-to-cell spread. The G protein mediates attachment but is not the palivizumab target, and N and SH proteins are not addressed by licensed passive immunization.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 22nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.