Abstract
Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) due to RSV is a common cause of global infant mortality, with most cases occurring in developing countries. Using data aggregated from priority countries as designated by the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) Maternal Child Health and Nutrition (MCHN) program, we created an adjustable algorithmic tool for visualizing the effectiveness of candidate maternal RSV vaccination on infant mortality. Country-specific estimates for disease burden and case fatality rates were computed based on established data. Country-specific RSV-ALRI incidence rates for infants 0-5 months were scaled based on the reported incidence rates for children 0-59 months. Using in-hospital mortality rates and predetermined “inflation factor,” we estimated the mortality of infants aged 0-5 months. Given implementation of a candidate maternal vaccination program, estimated reduction in infant RSV-ALRI incidence and mortality rates were calculated. User input is used to determine the coverage of the program and the efficacy of the vaccine. Using the generated algorithm, the overall reduction in infant mortality varied considerably depending on vaccine efficacy and distribution. Given a potential efficacy of 70% and a maternal distribution rate of 50% in every USAID MCHN priority country, annual RSV-ALRI-related infant mortality is estimated to be reduced by 14,862 cases. The absolute country-specific reduction is dependent on the number of live births; countries with the highest birth rates had the greatest impact on annual mortality reduction. The adjustable algorithm provides a standardized analytical tool in the evaluation of candidate maternal RSV vaccines. Ultimately, it can be used to guide public health initiatives, research funding, and policy implementation concerning the effectiveness of potential maternal RSV vaccination on reducing infant mortality.
Highlights
Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is a major contributor to infant morbidity and mortality
We have developed a web-based interactive tool that can be used to assess the efficacy of candidate maternal Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination implementation at reducing infant disease incidence and mortality in developing countries
Using the control panel (Figure 4), the user selects a country of choice from the list of United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Maternal Child Health and Nutrition (MCHN) priority countries, the percentage of pregnant mothers expected to receive the vaccine, and maternal vaccine effectiveness at preventing RSV in infants age 0-5 months
Summary
Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is a major contributor to infant morbidity and mortality. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most commonly identified etiologic viral pathogens leading to ALRI [1,2,3]. According to Shi et al, an estimated 59,600 children less than 5 years old died in-hospital in 2015 from RSV-related ALRI. The prevention and treatment of RSV poses a great financial burden; an estimated 50-70% of infants become infected with RSV during their first winter season [4]. Current treatment of RSV-related ALRI in children remains focused in supportive care, including respiratory support and hydration [3, 5, 6]. Natural infection has not provided long-term immunity or adequate amounts of neutralizing antibodies [8]. Reinfection rates can be as high as 83% depending on Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
