Most common agent responsible for bronchiolitis is:
💡 Explanation
## **Core Concept**
Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection primarily affecting infants and young children. It involves inflammation of the bronchioles, which are the smallest airways in the lungs. The condition is often caused by viral infections.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)**, is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in infants and young children worldwide. RSV infects the cells lining the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation and obstruction of the small airways. This results in the clinical symptoms of bronchiolitis, such as cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** Influenza virus can cause respiratory infections, including pneumonia, but it is not the most common cause of bronchiolitis.
- **Option B:** Adenovirus can cause a range of infections, including respiratory infections, but it is less commonly associated with bronchiolitis compared to RSV.
- **Option D:** Parainfluenza virus can cause respiratory infections, including croup and pneumonia, but it is not as frequently linked to bronchiolitis as RSV.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that **RSV** is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under the age of one. Palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody, is used for the prevention of serious RSV disease in high-risk infants.