Respiratory Syncytial Virus in a Community Population: Circulation of Subgroups A and B since 1965

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial viruses were isolated from residents of Tecumseh, MI, with illnesses of all severities during the periods 1965–1971 and 1976–1981. These isolates were grouped using one monoclonal antibody specific for each subgroup. All were identified as either subgroup A or B. Subgroup A predominated in most years. No differences in age distribution or illness characteristics could be found between the subgroups. This study demonstrated that the currently recognized subgroups have been present in a single community since 1965, and their behavior in the past is similar to that currently described.