RSV prophylaxis for high-risk infants is achieved with which monoclonal antibody?

• A. Interferon
• B. Ribavirin
• C. Palivizumab
• D. Immunoglobulin

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is using a targeted monoclonal antibody to prevent RSV disease in infants who are at high risk. The preventive option is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds the RSV F protein on the virus, blocking its ability to enter and infect respiratory cells. By stopping this early step of infection, it lowers the chance of hospitalization and severe illness in vulnerable babies.

This particular antibody is given routinely during RSV season to high-risk infants (such as those born very prematurely or with certain heart or lung conditions). It doesn’t treat an active RSV infection; it provides passive protection for a few months at a time through monthly injections.

Other choices aren’t used for RSV prophylaxis. Interferon isn’t employed for RSV prevention, ribavirin is an antiviral used in specific treatment scenarios for RSV rather than prevention, and immunoglobulin preparations were used in the past but are not the preferred preventive option today.