Immunohistochemical detection of respiratory syncytial virus: study of 53 cases of sudden infant death

We analyzed 53 cases of sudden infant death to detect immunohistochemical e xpression of respiratory syncytial virus on pulmonary sections. The virus w as identified in 7 cases. The immunohistochemical staining was intracytopla smic and mainly observed in bronchioles. Among these 7 cases, 6 showed seve re pulmonary lesions which were assumed to be accountable for decease. The inflammatory lesions related to respiratory syncytial virus were diffuse, l ocated with the same intensity to either bronchia, bronchioles, alveoles an d upper respiratory tract. The immunohistochemical staining was markely het erogeneous, requiring numerous pulmonary samples.