This is respiratory syntytial virus (RSV) in a child. Note the giant cells which are part of the viral cytopathic effect. The inset demonstrates a typical giant cell with a round, pink intracytoplasmic inclusion. RSV accounts for many cases of pneumonia in children under 2 years, and can be a cause for death in infants 1 to 6 months of age or older.


Supportive care is provided for this viral infection. Serum procalcitonin measurement can guide decision-making for avoiding unnecessary antibiotic usage for pulmonary disease. A low serum procalcitonin indicates that bacterial infection is unlikely and antibiotic therapy is not needed.