Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is pneumovirus closely related to human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that is a common cause of respiratory disease in cattle, particularly calves. It is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus that replicates in the cytoplasm of the cell.[1] Similarly to other single-stranded RNA viruses, the genome of BRSV has a high mutation rate, which results in great antigenetic variation. Thus, BRSV can be split into four different subgroups based on antigen expression (A, B, AB, and intermediate).[2]
| Bovine respiratory syncytial virus | |
|---|---|
Virus classification  | |
| (unranked): | Virus |
| Realm: | Riboviria |
| Kingdom: | Orthornavirae |
| Phylum: | Negarnaviricota |
| Class: | Monjiviricetes |
| Order: | Mononegavirales |
| Family: | Pneumoviridae |
| Genus: | Orthopneumovirus |
| Virus: | Bovine respiratory syncytial virus |
Causes
In around 90% of cases, infection with BRSV results in secondary bacterial pneumonia due to interference with the host's immune system and enhancement of bacterial adherence and colonisation by the virus.[1] Pasteurella multocida, a common commensal of the nasopharynx of cattle, appears to be the main bacterial agent in BRSV-related bovine respiratory disease (BRD).[3]
Treatment
Similarly to other viral infections, treatment of BRSV is typically supportive. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be required to reduce fever and inflammation, which may increase the affected animal's food and water intake. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are preferred to corticosteroids due to the latter's immunosuppressive effects. In the case of a secondary bacterial infection, antimicrobials may be given.[2] While commercial BRSV vaccines are available, appropriate biosecurity measures and animal husbandry may be sufficient to prevent spread of disease.[4]
References
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