Seasonality, molecular epidemiology, and virulence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): A perspective into the Brazilian Influenza Surveillance Program.

Lucas A. Vianna,Lays P. B. Volpini,Paola C. Resende,Iuri D. Louro,Marilda M. Siqueira,Baochuan Lin

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0251361

Lucas A. Vianna, Lays P. B. Volpini + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0251361

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Abstract

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the main cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. The complex evolution of RSV creates a need for worldwide surveillance, which may assist in the understanding of multiple viral aspects. This study aimed to investigate RSV features under the Brazilian Influenza Surveillance Program, evaluating the role of viral load and genetic diversity in disease severity and the influence of climatic factors in viral seasonality. We have investigated the prevalence of RSV in children up to 3 years of age with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in the state of Espirito Santo (ES), Brazil, from 2016 to 2018. RT-qPCR allowed for viral detection and viral load quantification, to evaluate association with clinical features and mapping of local viral seasonality. Gene G sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction demonstrated local genetic diversity. Of 632 evaluated cases, 56% were caused by RSV, with both subtypes A and B co-circulating throughout the years. A discrete inverse association between average temperature and viral circulation was observed. No correlation between viral load and disease severity was observed, but children infected with RSV-A presented a higher clinical severity score (CSS), stayed longer in the hospital, and required intensive care, and ventilatory support more frequently than those infected by RSV-B. Regarding RSV diversity, some local genetic groups were observed within the main genotypes circulation RSV-A ON1 and RSV-B BA, with strains showing modifications in the G gene amino acid chain. Local RSV studies using the Brazilian Influenza Surveillance Program are relevant as they can bring useful information to the global RSV surveillance. Understanding seasonality, virulence, and genetic diversity can aid in the development and suitability of antiviral drugs, vaccines, and assist in the administration of prophylactic strategies.

Highlights

We have investigated the prevalence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in children up to 3 years of age with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in the state of Espirito Santo (ES), Brazil, from 2016 to 2018
Of 632 evaluated cases, 56% were caused by RSV, with both subtypes A and B co-circulating throughout the years
No correlation between viral load and disease severity was observed, but children infected with RSV-A presented a higher clinical severity score (CSS), stayed longer in the hospital, and required intensive care, and ventilatory support more frequently than those infected by RSV-B

Summary

Introduction

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most common pathogen associated with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI), as well as the main cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and small children [1]. Some studies have evaluated the association between viral load and disease severity with significant associations [4, 5]. Most of these studies did not use standardized methods of viral load measurement, this relationship must be more carefully evaluated. Understanding the role of the viral load in RSV infection may be a tool to establish its relationship with disease progression, severity, clinical outcome, and drug intervention timeframe [6]. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the main cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. The complex evolution of RSV creates a need for worldwide surveillance, which may assist in the understanding of multiple viral aspects

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