Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Research Articles

Activation of STAT3-mediated ciliated cell survival protects against severe infection by respiratory syncytial virus.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) selectively targets ciliated cells in human bronchial epithelium and can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia, mostly in infants. To identify molecular targets of intervention during RSV infection in infants, we investigated how age regulates RSV interaction with the bronchial epithelium barrier. Employing precision-cut lung slices and air-liquid interface cultures generated from infant and adult human donors, we found robust RSV virus spread and extensive apoptotic cell death only in infant bronchial epithelium. In contrast, adult bronchial epithelium showed no barrier damage and limited RSV infection. Single nuclear RNA-Seq revealed age-related insufficiency of an antiapoptotic STAT3 activation response to RSV infection in infant ciliated cells, which was exploited to facilitate virus spread via the extruded apoptotic ciliated cells carrying RSV. Activation of STAT3 and blockade of apoptosis rendered protection against severe RSV infection in infant bronchial epithelium. Lastly, apoptotic inhibitor treatment of a neonatal mouse model of RSV infection mitigated infection and inflammation in the lung. Taken together, our findings identify a STAT3-mediated antiapoptosis pathway as a target to battle severe RSV disease in infants.

Prospective Attitudes Towards Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine in Pregnant Women in Greece

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory pathogen with high morbidity and mortality, especially in children under two years of age. Severe RSV infection poses a significant threat to healthcare systems, making vaccination an utmost need. In August 2023, the U.S. FDA approved an RSV maternal vaccine to prevent lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in infants throughout their first six months of life. This cross-sectional survey was designed to evaluate pregnant women’s willingness to receive the vaccine during pregnancy. An anonymous survey was administered from April 2023 to December 2023 to pregnant women aged above 16 years old attending gynecology wards of randomly selected public and private hospitals in Crete. The primary outcome was the intention to receive the vaccine. Univariable and multivariable analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with the intention to get vaccinated. Questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 335 pregnant females who agreed to participate in this study. The intention to get vaccinated against RSV was positively associated with educational level, the presence of school-age children, RSV infection awareness, intention to get routine pregnancy vaccines according to the National Immunization Program (NIP), and previous vaccination against COVID-19. The majority of pregnant females were not familiar with the term RSV and the upcoming vaccine. An educational campaign regarding RSV infection and its vaccine is required to improve women’s perceptions and to support healthcare workers in promoting it upon its availability in Greece.

Early-Life Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection Triggers Immunological Changes in Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissues in a Sex-Dependent Manner in Adulthood.

Severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection during early life has been linked to gut dysbiosis, which correlates with increased disease severity and a higher risk of developing asthma later in life. However, the impact of such early-life RSV infections on intestinal immunity in adulthood remains unclear. Herein, we show that RSV infection in 3-week-old mice induced persistent differential natural killer (NK) and T cell profiles within the lungs and gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoid tissues (GALT) in adulthood. Notably, male mice exhibited more pronounced RSV-induced changes in immune cell populations in both the lungs and GALT, while female mice displayed greater resilience. Importantly, early-life RSV infection was associated with the chronic downregulation of CD69-expressing T lymphocytes, particularly T regulatory cells in Peyer's patches, which could have a significant impact on T cell functionality and immune tolerance. We propose that RSV infection in early life is a trigger for the breakdown in immune tolerance at mucosal surfaces, with potential implications for airways allergic disease, food allergies, and other GI inflammatory diseases.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Nirsevimab in Reducing Pediatric RSV Hospitalizations in Spain.

Background/Objectives: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of hospitalization in infants. Nirsevimab has demonstrated to be a promising tool for preventing severe RSV disease. Although clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Nirsevimab in preventing severe RSV disease, evidence regarding its performance in real-world clinical settings is still limited due to its recent introduction. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by evaluating the impact of Nirsevimab in a cohort of infants and determining its effectiveness in reducing the burden of RSV disease. Methods: A retrospective study of RSV hospitalizations was conducted in children under six months of age, between 1 October and 31 March, across four seasons: pre-COVID (2018-2019), COVID (2019-2020), post-COVID pre-Nirsevimab (2022-2023), and Nirsevimab season (2023-2024). Results: Nirsevimab demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing RSV-related hospitalizations in infants under six months of age. During the 2023/2024 season, following the introduction of Nirsevimab, there was a substantial reduction in RSV-related lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) hospitalizations. Among infants under 3 months of age, hospitalizations decreased by 79.3% (IRR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.12-0.34). In infants aged 3 to 6 months, there was a 66.9% reduction (IRR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15-0.64). Additionally, Nirsevimab decreased the severity of RSV cases with LRTI who required the support of equipment for sanitary use, further reducing overall healthcare burden. Conclusions: These results underscore Nirsevimab's vital role in preventing severe RSV infections and hospitalizations, especially among the most vulnerable infants, positioning it as a critical advancement in pediatric respiratory care.

An altered natural killer cell immunophenotype characterizes clinically severe pediatric RSV infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects nearly all children by 2 years of age and is a leading cause of pediatric hospitalizations. A subset of children with RSV infection (RSV+ children) develop respiratory failure requiring intensive care, but immune mechanisms distinguishing severe pediatric RSV infection are not fully elucidated. Natural killer (NK) cells are key innate immune effectors of viral host defense. In this study of 47 critically ill RSV+ children, we coupled NK cell immunophenotype and cytotoxic function with clinical parameters to identify an NK cell immune signature of severe pediatric RSV disease. Airway NK cells were increased in intubated RSV+ children with severe hypoxemia and prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation and were correlated with clinical severity scores. Peripheral blood NK cells were decreased in RSV+ patients and had altered activating receptor expression, with increased expression of CD69 and decreased expression of NKG2D. Ex vivo, circulating NK cells from RSV+ patients exhibited functional impairment characterized by decreased cytotoxicity as well as aberrant immune synapse assembly and lytic granule trafficking. NK cell frequency and phenotype correlated with clinical measures that defined disease severity. These findings implicate a role for NK cells in mediating RSV immunopathology and suggest that an altered NK cell immunophenotype is associated with severe RSV disease in young children.

Prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus infection: current status and prospects for vaccine development

INTRODUCTION. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most widespread pathogens that typically cause acute upper and lower respiratory tract infections in children and adults. Monoclonal antibody products have long been used for passive immunoprophylaxis in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. However, vaccines have recently been licensed for the prophylactic immunisation of older adults with various risk factors for severe RSV infection (primarily, chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and diabetes mellitus).AIM. This study aimed to review the current status of the development of vaccines for active immunisation against RSV infection, including the epidemiological rationale for their development, clinical trial results for licensed vaccines, recommendations for vaccination, and promising pipeline vaccines for RSV prevention.DISCUSSION. Initially hindered by the unique immunopathogenesis of RSV infection and the genetic hypervariability of RSV for a long time, attempts to develop an RSV vaccine succeeded when international researchers managed to identify a conservative neutralising antibody target capable of inducing specific immunity against RSV. This target, the RSV capsid protein stabilised in its prefusion (pre-F) conformation, can mediate viral entry into the cell following a conformational change. Several subunit vaccines based on recombinant pre-F proteins have successfully passed clinical trials and have been approved for the immunisation of older adults. In addition, one of these vaccines has been recommended for use during pregnancy to prevent RSV infection in newborns and infants. Currently, programmes are being implemented to develop novel RSV vaccines based on messenger RNA (mRNA) and non-replicating attenuated influenza vectors. This article examines and summarises the efficacy and safety parameters of two RSV vaccines approved in multiple countries around the world. Both vaccines have satisfactory safety profiles and comparable prophylactic efficacy parameters.CONCLUSIONS. Prelicensure clinical trials of novel RSV vaccines, including those being developed in the Russian Federation, should include prophylactic efficacy assessments in target patient populations. For vaccines approved by leading international regulators, clinical trials required for approval in the Russian Federation will be limited to bridging studies confirming the immunogenicity and safety of the vaccines.

Impact of respiratory tract infections on spinal muscular atrophy with focus on respiratory syncytial virus infections: a single-centre cohort study.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a degenerative neuromuscular disorder leading to muscle hypotonia, weakness, and respiratory and bulbar impairment. Infants with SMA have an increased risk of respiratory tract infections (RTI) including severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. Therefore, guidelines for the treatment of SMA recommend RSV prophylaxis with palivizumab for patients aged below two years who have compromised motor functions ("non-sitters"). Since palivizumab is not approved for RSV prophylaxis in SMA patients in Switzerland, payers usually do not grant cost approvals for this indication. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the frequency of severe RTI among SMA patients focusing on RSV infections requiring hospital treatment and to determine the long-term impact of RSV infections on the natural history of SMA. A single-centre cohort study at the tertiary paediatric Neuromuscular Centre Zurich, Switzerland, including data of SMA patients with a genetic-based therapy initiated below two years of age between May 2019 and December 2022. All hospitalisations were analysed with a focus on severe RTI and especially RSV infections, and their impact on nutritional and respiratory function. The costs of inpatient treatment of RSV infections were determined and compared with estimated expenses for RSV prophylaxis with palivizumab. 12 SMA patients (median age at treatment initiation: 3.5 months, range: 0-17 months) were followed for a cumulative period of 25.75 years (7 SMA type 1; 5 SMA type 2 including one presymptomatic individual). With an incidence rate of 2.34 per patient-year, the risk of severe RTI was especially high in SMA type 1 (versus 0.1 in SMA type 2, p = 0.044). A total of 37 hospitalisations (279 hospital days) was necessary for the treatment of RTI in general; 9 of them were attributed to RSV infections (in 5 SMA type 1 patients; 84 hospital days). Only 3/12 SMA patients had received seasonal RSV prophylaxis with palivizumab. No RSV infections requiring hospital treatment occurred in patients while receiving seasonal RSV prophylaxis. During RTI, nutritional support had to be commonly initiated and continued after discharge. In 3/7 SMA type 1 patients, non-invasive ventilation was started during acute treatment for RTI and continued to the end of follow-up. We observed a high risk of RTI, especially RSV infections, among young SMA patients. Failure to adhere to established care protocols, for example by omitting RSV prophylaxis, may be linked to a heightened risk of morbidity in these children.

Sonication-Assisted Self-Assembled Resveratrol Nanoparticles with Enhanced Antiviral and Anti-inflammatory Activity against Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Induced Pneumonia.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced viral pneumonia in children is common worldwide. Its high occurrence and lack of an effective vaccine make it a leading cause of death in children. Severe RSV infection can trigger uncontrolled inflammatory responses in patients, so the development of small molecule drugs with the dual function of "direct antivirus" and "inflammatory response regulation" is welcome. Resveratrol (Res) has been reported to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory pharmacological effects, but its application is limited because of its poor water solubility and oral bioavailability. Based on small-molecule nanotechnology, we developed a sonication-assisted self-assembly method for preparing insoluble Res into highly soluble resveratrol nanoparticles (Res NPs). The obtained Res NPs exhibited a higher water solubility and a faster dissolution rate, which was more conducive to the effectiveness of Res in addressing RSV-induced viral pneumonia. In vitro studies had shown that Res NPs played an antiviral role by inhibiting RSV replication and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nebulized inhalation administration of Res NPs prolonged the drug's residence time in the lungs, which appears to increase the accumulation and effectiveness of Res NPs. Additionally, in vivo studies had demonstrated significant benefits of Res NPs in inhibiting RSV viral load and improving the pulmonary microenvironment in RSV-infected mice. Both antiviral and anti-inflammatory experiments had confirmed that the pharmacological activity of Res NPs is superior to that of Res. This suggested that nanosizing Res was an effective way to enhance the original pharmacological activity of Res and also offered a new formulation strategy for treating viral pneumonia.

The severity of respiratory syncytial virus infection in children during the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide study of 11,915 cases in Germany.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of childhood hospitalization. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the usual seasonal pattern of RSV, resulting in high activity during the off-season. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the pandemic on the severity of RSV infections. Data from 11,915 children hospitalized due to RSV infection between 2016 and 2022 were analyzed. The hospitalized patients were categorized into two groups, from January2016 to February 2020 (PreCoV19 group) and from March 2020 to December 2022 (CoV19 group). The hospitalization duration, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, length of stay at ICU, mechanical ventilation requirement and duration, Elixhauser comorbidity index scores, and in-hospital mortality were analyzed. Children in the PreCoV19 group had a mean age of 0.4 ± 0.7, whereas those in the CoV19 group had a mean age of 0.6 ± 1.0 years. Children during the pandemic had significantly shorter hospital stays (4.3 ± 2.6 days) compared to children of the pre-pandemic period (4.9 ± 3.3 days). Although ICU admission rates did not change, the duration of ICU stays decreased in the CoV19 group. Moreover, the in-hospital mortality did not differ between the groups. A multivariable analysis showed that younger age, regardless of the pandemic period, was associated with prolonged hospital stays, higher ICU admission rates, and an increased requirement for mechanical ventilation. Our findings highlight significant changes of the clinical characteristics of RSV infections during the pandemic, with implications for clinical management and public health strategies.

Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection Among Adults in Nursing and Care Homes: A Systematic Review.

Older adults in nursing and care homes (NCHs) are vulnerable to severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, hospitalization, and death. This study aimed to gather data on RSV disease among older adults in NCHs and identify reported risk factors for RSV hospitalization and case fatality. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022371908). We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Global Health databases to identify articles published between 2000 and 2023. Observational and experimental studies conducted among older adults in NCHs requiring assistive care and reporting RSV illness were included and relevant data were extracted. Of 18,690 studies screened, 32 were selected for full-text review, and 20 were included. Overall, the number of NCH residents ranged from 42 to 1459 with a mean age between 67.6 and 85 years. Attack rates ranged from 6.7% to 47.6% and annual incidence ranged from 0.5% to 14%. Case fatality rates ranged from 7.7% to 23.1%. We found similar annual incidence rates of RSV-positive acute respiratory infection (ARI) of 4582 (95% CI: 3259-6264) and 4785 (95% CI: 2258-10,141) per 100,000 reported in two studies. Annual incidence rate of RSV-positive lower respiratory tract infection was 3040 (95% CI: 1986-4454) cases per 100,000 adults. Annual RSV-ARI hospital admission rates were between 600 (95% CI: 190-10,000) and 1104 (95% CI: 350-1930) per 100,000 person-years. Among all RSV disease cases, commonly reported chronic medical conditions included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, kidney dysfunction, cerebrovascular accident, malignancies, dementia, and those with a Charlson comorbidity score > 6.5. Data on RSV infection among NCH residents are limited and largely heterogeneous but document a high risk of illness, frequent hospitalization, and high mortality. Preventive interventions, such as vaccination, should be considered for this high-risk population. Nationally representative epidemiologic studies and NCH-based viral pathogen surveillance could more precisely assess the burden on NCH residents.

Development and validation of an individual risk prediction tool for severe respiratory syncytial virus infection among children under five years in China

Objective: To construct a predictive model to assess the risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus infection among children under five years in China, conduct preliminary validation of this model by using external data, and develop an individual risk assessment tool available for their parents. Methods: The admission after RSV infection was used as a marker of severe infection. Based on the evidence of RSV hospitalization-related risk factors and real-world data, such as the prevalence of various risk factors in children under five years old in China, a Monte Carlo-based individual RSV hospitalization risk prediction model for children under five years old was constructed. Taking Suzhou City as an example, the model was externally validated, and an interactive risk prediction tool (RSV HeaRT) was developed on the WeChat mini-program platform. Results: The estimation model showed that in children under five years old in China if the population did not have any risk factors for severe RSV infection, the RSV annual hospitalization rate was 2.2/1 000 (95%CI: 0.9/1 000-7.5/1 000). Based on this baseline hospitalization rate and the prevalence of related risk factors in Suzhou, the model predicted an RSV hospitalization rate of 8.0/1 000 (95%CI: 4.6/1 000-24.4/1 000) for children under five years old annually in Suzhou, which was close to the reported RSV hospitalization rate in literature (10/1 000-20/1 000). In the developed RSV HeaRT WeChat mini-program, target users (such as parents of children) could input basic information, disease history, and social environmental factors of the child into the mini-program, and the tool could provide real-time feedback on the following predicted results: First, the relative risk of hospitalization due to RSV infection in current children compared to general children; Second, the probability of hospitalization due to RSV infection within the next year; Third, the relative risk of adverse outcomes during hospitalization in the event of RSV infection. Conclusion: This study is based on real-world evidence related to RSV hospitalization risk and constructs an RSV hospitalization risk prediction model suitable for Chinese children based on the combination of the current prevalence of risk factors in children under five years old in China. The accuracy of the prediction model results has been preliminarily demonstrated. Based on this design, the RSV HeaRT developed can facilitate parents to evaluate the hospitalization risk of children.

Passive Immunization Strategies to Prevent Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Among Newborns and Young Infants.

Newborns and young infants are at risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection. Passive immunity is the mainstay of infection prevention in this cohort. Transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies provides the newborn with immediate protection from life-threatening infections, however, is dependent upon gestational age, birth weight, mother's age, recent maternal vaccination, maternal nutritional status, maternal immunocompetence and medical conditions, and placental integrity. Efficient transplacental transfer of RSV-neutralizing antibodies have led to the development and approval of maternal RSV immunization for the protection of the newborn. Additionally, administration of RSV-specific antibodies to infants leads to high serum titers of RSV-neutralizing antibodies and further protection from severe disease.

Epidemiology, Outcomes, and Trend Analysis of Hospitalized Infants With Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Bronchiolitis From 1997 to 2019.

Background Most children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection have a self-limiting course that can be managed with supportive care, and hospitalization is uncommon. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the epidemiology, outcomes, associated comorbidities, and temporal trends in the prevalence of infants one to 24 months of age who required hospitalization for RSV infection in the United States of America from 1997 to 2019. Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we utilized the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) to investigate the prevalence and outcomes of RSV bronchiolitis within a large cohort of discharged patients from 1997 to 2019. We included children one to 24 months of age admitted with a diagnosis of RSV bronchiolitis. Neonates were excluded from the analysis. A chi-square for linear trend was used to analyze trends in the prevalence of RSV bronchiolitis hospitalization, the presence of complex chronic conditions (CCC), congenital heart disease (CHD), the use of non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV and IMV), and hospital mortality. Results There were a total of 566,786 infants aged one to 24 months hospitalized with RSV infection out of a total of 9,309,597 discharges during the eight-year cohort, with a hospital prevalence of 60.9 per 1000 discharges and a hospital mortality rate of 0.09% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08%-0.1%). There was no trend in hospitalization rates of RSV infections per 100,000 U.S. population during the study period, with a decrease in hospital mortality trend. Children with RSV bronchiolitis were more likely to have government insurance and reside in zip codes with the lowest income quartile. There was a significant seasonal and regional variation in RSV-related hospitalizations. The presence of CCC was identified in 2.4% of the RSV group compared to 5.1% of non-RSV discharges (odds ratio (OR): 0.46, 95% CI: 0.45-0.47; p<0.001). The prevalence of RSV among all discharges has significantly increased over the study period, rising from 51.6 cases per 1000 discharges in 1997 to 180.1 cases per 1000 discharges in 2019 (p<0.001). The prevalence of CCC and CHD among RSV patients has also shown an upward trend, with CCC cases increasing from 1,411 in 1997 to 2,795 in 2019 and CHD cases rising from 1,795 to 3,622 during the same period. The use of invasive mechanical ventilation, non-invasive ventilation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has consistently increased over time. Additionally, complications such as the need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation have demonstrated a similar increasing trend, although they have remained overall low. However, population-based hospitalization rates showed no significant trend. Conclusions The hospitalization rates at a population level in the United States for RSV infection in children aged one to 24 months remained steady from 1997 to 2019, while hospital mortality rates showed a declining trend. There is an increased proportion of comorbid conditions and increased resource utilization in children with RSV. These findings are important for monitoring the effectiveness of preventive strategies for severe RSV infections.

Assessing the long-term economic impact of wheezing episodes after severe RSV disease in children from Argentina: a cost of illness analysis

IntroductionThere is lack of available data on the economic burden of wheezing episodes after severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. This study aimed to assess the cost incurred for wheezing...

Nasal cathelicidin is expressed in early life and is increased during mild, but not severe respiratory syncytial virus infection

Respiratory syncytial virus is the major cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections in young children, causing extensive mortality and morbidity globally, with limited therapeutic or preventative options. Cathelicidins are innate immune antimicrobial host defence peptides and have antiviral activity against RSV. However, upper respiratory tract cathelicidin expression and the relationship with host and environment factors in early life, are unknown. Infant cohorts were analysed to characterise early life nasal cathelicidin levels, revealing low expression levels in the first week of life, with increased levels at 9 months which are comparable to 2-year-olds and healthy adults. No impact of prematurity on nasal cathelicidin expression was observed, nor were there effects of sex or birth mode, however, nasal cathelicidin expression was lower in the first week-of-life in winter births. Nasal cathelicidin levels were positively associated with specific inflammatory markers and demonstrated to be associated with microbial community composition. Importantly, levels of nasal cathelicidin expression were elevated in infants with mild RSV infection, but, in contrast, were not upregulated in infants hospitalised with severe RSV infection. These data suggest important relationships between nasal cathelicidin, upper airway microbiota, inflammation, and immunity against RSV infection, with interventional potential.

CONCURRENT KLEBSIELLA BACTEREMIA IN TWO INFANTS WITH SEVERE RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS INFECTION.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children. In most previously healthy infants, RSV infection is self-limited and resolves without complications. The risk of bacteremia is low in young febrile infants with RSV infection. Herein, we report two previously healthy infants with severe RSV infection who had concurrent Klebsiella bacteremia.

Timing patterns of initial respiratory syncytial virus infection and factors influencing disease severity in hospitalized infants with different health status.

This study aimed to determine the timing patterns of the initial respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and to identify the factors influencing disease severity in infants of varying health status. A retrospective study was conducted at the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from 2012 to 2022. The timing of the first RSV infection was estimated in infants with differing health status using correlation analysis, considering their birth time. Logistic regression was utilized to identify factors influencing severe RSV infection in these infants.RSV detection primarily occurred in the winter and spring. Epidemic season and peak timing of RSV were not significantly affected by health status or the COVID-19 pandemic. A strong positive correlation was observed between the age at RSV infection and the interval from birth to the RSV peak season. Infants born during the RSV epidemic season exhibited a higher likelihood of infection within the first 2 months postbirth. In contrast, those born outside the RSV epidemic season were more susceptible to infection during the subsequent peak. Notably, infants with pre-existing health conditions contracted RSV at an earlier age compared to their healthy counterparts. Among healthy infants, severe RSV infection was associated with sex, age, and timing of infection. For infants with underlying conditions, severe RSV infection was primarily related to age and timing of infection. The initial timing of RSV infection in infants varied depending on their health status. Young age and infection timing during the RSV epidemic season were significant risk factors for severe RSV infection. These findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing immunization strategies for infants with diverse health conditions.

First real-world data on universal respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis with Nirsevimab in infants.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) predominantly affects young children, with a peak incidence in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere from October to May. Children under 24 months of age are particularly vulnerable because of the immaturity of their lungs and immune systems, often leading to severe respiratory infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes RSV as a global health priority. Recently, Nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody (mAb), was authorised to prevent RSV disease in infants. Our narrative review brings together the effectiveness data of Nirsevimab available in the literature, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the published studies and the prevention opportunities represented by the new preparation. All reviewed studies provide evidence for the effectiveness of immunisation with Nirsevimab in real-world settings, beyond the controlled conditions of clinical trials, and highlight its safety and feasibility. Nirsevimab significantly reduces RSV hospitalisations and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions. High coverage and high efficacy of immunisation have been reported, although supply issues and variability in studies present challenges. Continued research and surveillance are critical to understanding the long-term effectiveness of Nirsevimab. Overall, available data provide valuable insights into the efficacy, safety, and impact of immunisation with Nirsevimab in preventing severe RSV infections in infants, highlighting its potential to reduce the burden of RSV-related hospitalisations and improve paediatric health outcomes.

Effects of palivizumab prophylaxis on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in Montenegro.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common pathogens causing severe lower respiratory tract disease in infancy and childhood. In newborns, young infants, and in infants with co-morbidities, the risk of severe infection is increased. Current protection against severe RSV infection is immunoprophylaxis with the monoclonal antibody palivizumab. The study aimed to assess the effects of palivizumab prophylaxis in the Republic of Montenegro in comparison to the pre-prophylaxis period. The study was conducted in prospective/retrospective single center format in Montenegro in the Clinical Center of Podgorica, for the period 2009-2019. A total of 104 high-risk infants in the palivizumab prophylaxis program (2014-2019 RSV seasons) and 168 high-risk children without palivizumab prophylaxis (2009-2013 RSV seasons) were enrolled. A total of 51 children (49.0%) received prophylaxis for prematurity, 33 (31.7%) for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), 13 (12.5%) for hemodynamically significant heart disease/defect (HSCHD), and 7 (6.8%) for "miscellaneous" indications. In the control group most children had prematurity (101, 60.1%), followed by BPD (59, 35.1%), HSCHD (3, 1.8%), and "miscellaneous" (5, 3.4%) conditions. Readmission to the pediatric intensive care units (PICU) due to RSV infection was significantly lower in prophylaxis group (0.0 vs 16.1%, p<0.001). No lethal outcomes were observed in high-risk children with palivizumab prophylaxis compared to 2.4% in the control group. The introduction of RSV immunoprophylaxis as well as other new protective treatment strategies for high-risk newborns led to significant improvements in infant and childcare in Montenegro. This is the first report on palivizumab prophylaxis in Montenegro, demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of palivizumab use in clinical settings.

Factors associated with severe respiratory syncytial virus infection among hospitalized children in Thammasat University Hospital.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most significant respiratory pathogens that causes acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) early in life. Most children have a history of RSV infection within 24 months of age, and recurrent infections are common throughout life. Children under five years of age were identified through a review of medical records with a diagnosis of RSV-LRTI between 2016 and 2020. Severe RSV-LRTI was defined as a prolonged length of stay (> 7 days), admission to the intensive care unit, need for mechanical ventilation, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, or in-hospital mortality. Factors associated with severe RSV-LRTI were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. During the study period, 620 patients were diagnosed with RSV-LRTI and 249 (40.16%) patients had severe RSV-LRTI. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the factors for severe RSV-LRTI were being under 3 months (aOR 2.18 CI 1.39-3.43, p0.001), cardiovascular disease (aOR 3.55 CI 1.56-8.06, p0.002), gastrointestinal disease (aOR 5.91 CI 1.90-18.46, p0.002), genetic disease (aOR 7.33 CI 1.43-37.54, p0.017), and pulmonary disease (aOR 9.50, CI 4.56-19.80, p<0.001). Additionally, the presence of ≥ 2 co-morbidities (aOR 6.23 CI 2.81-14.81, p<0.016), experiencing illness for more than 5 days (aOR 3.33 CI 2.19-5.06, p<0.001), co-detection of influenza (aOR 8.62 CI 1.49-38.21, p0.015), and nosocomial RSV infection (aOR 9.13 CI 1.98-41.30, p0.012), markedly increased the risk of severe RSV-LTRI. The severe RSV-LRTI group demonstrated higher hospitalization expenses (median, US $720.77 vs $278.00, respectively; p<0.001), and three infants died in-hospital. Children at high risk for RSV-LRTI due to underlying genetic and gastrointestinal diseases are at an increased risk for severe RSV-LRTI. Further studies to determine the cost-effectiveness of RSV immunization in these potential co-morbidities should be initiated to prioritize RSV immunization, especially in resource-constrained regions with limited availability of nirsevimab.