“Ground-breaking” Geelong research could beat a cold-like virus ranked the number-one cause of young children ending up in hospital, according to Barwon Health.
The research involved two studies to prevent and treat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), commonly behind winter outbreaks of lung infection bronchiolitis, Barwon Health said.
Young children and premature babies were at most risk of RSV, with “no specific treatment” as yet available.
The first study would test the preventative capabilities of a drug administered twice to premature babies less than six months old, Barwon Health said. The second would treat infected children aged under two with seven doses of a trial drug.
Barwon Health’s opportunity to contribute to a treatment for RSV was “exciting”, study leader Dr Dave Fuller said
“The study is only in early stages, so there’s a chance we can contribute to finding an effective treatment for the virus,” he said.
“Now we’re coming into winter we’re starting to see a lot of cases of RSV here at Barwon Health.
“RSV can present as a cold in adults but can make young babies very unwell. The younger the patient is, the more at risk they are.
“Currently we have no treatment that can affect the course of the illness, so to be leading two trials for treatment and prevention is pleasing.”
Barwon Health wants to recruit 10 premature babies for one trial and two children aged under two with RSV infection for the other, both before the virus season ends.
Barwon Health said recruitment for the studies was available by phoning Kate Ellis on 4215 2878 .
