Regarding RSV infection, which statement is true?

Regarding RSV infection, which statement is true?

• A. It is commonly associated with bacterial co-infection
• B. It has no role in lower respiratory infections
• C. It is rarely associated with bacterial co-infection
• D. It always requires antibiotics

Answer: (C)

RSV is a viral infection that commonly causes lower respiratory tract disease, especially bronchiolitis, in young children. Bacterial co-infection can occur, but it is not common, so it is true that RSV is rarely associated with bacterial co-infection. Since RSV is viral, antibiotics are not routinely required or effective; they’re only considered if there is a clear suspicion of a bacterial coinfection or another bacterial pneumonia. The other statements misstate the typical pattern: RSV does cause lower respiratory illness, and antibiotics are not always needed.

RSV is a viral infection that commonly causes lower respiratory tract disease, especially bronchiolitis, in young children. Bacterial co-infection can occur, but it is not common, so it is true that RSV is rarely associated with bacterial co-infection. Since RSV is viral, antibiotics are not routinely required or effective; they’re only considered if there is a clear suspicion of a bacterial coinfection or another bacterial pneumonia. The other statements misstate the typical pattern: RSV does cause lower respiratory illness, and antibiotics are not always needed.