Palivizumab is administered monthly during the RSV season to infants with chronic lung disease or haemodynamically significant congenital heart disease. It is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against which viral component?

• A F fusion glycoprotein ✓
• B G attachment glycoprotein
• C SH small hydrophobic protein
• D Nucleoprotein N of the ribonucleoprotein core

Explanation

Palivizumab neutralizes RSV by binding an epitope on the F (fusion) glycoprotein, preventing fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane and subsequent syncytium formation. Because it is passive prophylaxis, it does not treat established infection and must be given before and throughout the season. The G protein mediates attachment and is a variable target, while SH and N proteins are not the target of licensed monoclonal prophylaxis.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 22nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.