From November 2000 to May 2001, 208 clinical samples were analyzed for respiratory infection. Parallel to the detection of the syncytial respiratory virus (SRV) by solid phase immunoassay (EIA) and rapid culture in shell-vial or conventional tube, a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was developed. The procedures were complimentary and useful in the diagnosis of respiratory infections due to SRV, both in children and adults.