Respiratory syncytial virus infection-associated hospitalization in adults: a retrospective cohort study

Economic burden of cardiorespiratory hospitalizations associated with respiratory syncytial virus among United States adults in 2017-2019

Morbidity and mortality caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults and those with underlying health conditions can be potentially alleviated through vaccination. To assist vaccine policy decision-makers and payers, we estimated the annual economic burden of RSV-associated cardiorespiratory hospitalizations among insured US adults aged ≥18 y in the Merative MarketScan claims database from September through August of 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the number of RSV-associated cardiorespiratory hospitalizations using MarketScan-identified cardiorespiratory diagnosis codes in the presence or absence of RSV circulation per weekly laboratory test positivity percentages from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This number was multiplied by mean cardiorespiratory hospitalization costs to estimate total costs for RSV-associated cardiorespiratory hospitalizations. Number and cost for International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-coded RSV hospitalizations were quantified from MarketScan. In 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, respectively, 18,515,878 and 16,462,120 adults with commercial or Medicare supplemental benefits were assessed. In 2017-2018, 301,248 cardiorespiratory hospitalizations were observed; 0.32% had RSV-specific ICD codes, costing $44,916,324, and 5.52% were RSV-associated cardiorespiratory hospitalizations, costing $734,078,602 (95% CI: $460,826,580-$1,103,358,799). In 2018-2019, 215,525 cardiorespiratory hospitalizations were observed; 0.34% had RSV-specific ICD codes, costing $33,053,105, and 3.14% were RSV-associated cardiorespiratory hospitalizations, costing $287,549,472 (95% CI: $173,377,778-$421,884,259). RSV contributes to substantial economic burden of cardiorespiratory hospitalizations among US adults. Modeling excess risk using viral positivity data provides a comprehensive estimation of RSV hospitalization burden and associated costs, compared with relying on ICD diagnosis codes alone.

Severe respiratory syncytial virus disease

The burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease is widely recognized. Main risk factors for severe disease, such as extreme ages, chronic cardiopulmonary conditions, and immunosuppression, typically coincide with poorer outcomes. While the majority of RSV hospitalizations involve healthy children, a higher proportion of hospitalized adults with underlying conditions need intensive care. Presently, treatment primarily consists of supportive measures. RSV-induced wheezing should be distinguished from respiratory tract thickening, without response to bronchodilators. Obstructive RSV disease frequently overlaps with viral pneumonia. Non-invasive mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy represented significant advancements in the management of severe RSV disease in children and may also hold considerable importance in specific phenotypes of RSV disease in adults. Most severe infections manifest with refractory hypoxemia necessitating more advanced ventilatory support and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy. Although bacterial co-infection rates are low, they have been associated with worse outcomes. Antibiotic prescription rates are high. Accurately diagnosing bacterial co-infections remains a challenge. Current evidence and antibiotic stewardship policies advise against indiscriminate antibiotic usage, even in severe cases. The role of currently developing antiviral therapies in severe RSV disease will be elucidated in the coming years, contingent upon the success of new vaccines and immune passive strategies involving nirsevimab.

Respiratory syncytial virus infections in adults: a narrative review

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), an RNA virus spread by droplet infection that affects all ages, is increasingly recognised as an important pathogen in adults, especially among older people living with comorbidities. Distinguishing RSV from other acute viral infections on clinical grounds alone, with sufficient precision to be clinically useful, is not possible. The reference standard diagnosis is by PCR: point-of-care tests perform less well with lower viral loads. Testing samples from a single respiratory tract site could result in underdetection. RSV is identified in 6-11% of outpatient respiratory tract infection (RTI) consultations in older adults (≥60 years, or ≥65 years, depending on the study) and accounts for 4-11% of adults (≥18 years) hospitalised with RTI, with 6-15% of those hospitalised admitted to intensive care, and 1-12% of all adults hospitalised with RSV respiratory tract infection dying. Community-based studies estimate the yearly incidence of RSV infection at around 3-7% in adults aged 60 years and older in high-income countries. Although RSV accounts for a similar disease burden as influenza in adults, those hospitalised with severe RSV disease are typically older (most ≥60 years) and have more comorbidities, more respiratory symptoms, and are frequently without fever. Long-term sequelae are common and include deterioration of underlying disease (typically heart failure and COPD). There are few evidence-based RSV-specific treatments currently available, with supportive care being the main modality. Two protein subunit vaccines for protection from severe RSV in adults aged 60 years and older were licensed in 2023, and a third-an mRNA-based vaccine-recently gained market approval in the USA. The phase 3 studies in these three vaccines showed good protection against severe disease. Data on real-world vaccine effectiveness in older adults, including subgroups at high risk for RSV-associated hospitalisation, are needed to establish the best use of these newly approved RSV vaccines. New diagnostics and therapeutics are being developed, which will also need rigorous evaluation within their target populations to ensure they are used only for those in whom there is evidence of improved outcomes. There is an urgent need to reconceptualise this illness from one that is serious in children, but far less important than influenza in older people, to thinking of RSV as also a major risk to health for older people that needs targeted prevention and treatment.

Human metapneumovirus infection is associated with a substantial morbidity and mortality burden in adult inpatients

Background

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of the leading respiratory viruses. This prospective observational study aimed to describe the clinical features and the outcomes of hMPV-associated lower respiratory tract infections in adult inpatients.

Methods

Consecutive adult patients admitted to one of the 31 participating centers with an acute lower respiratory tract infection and a respiratory multiplex PCR positive for hMPV were included. A primary composite end point of complicated course (hospital death and/or the need for invasive mechanical ventilation) was used.

Results

Between March 2018 and May 2019, 208 patients were included. The median age was 74 [62-84] years. Ninety-seven (47 %) patients were men, 187 (90 %) had at least one coexisting illness, and 67 (31 %) were immunocompromised. Median time between first symptoms and hospital admission was 3 [2-7] days. The two most frequent symptoms were dyspnea (86 %) and cough (85 %). The three most frequent clinical diagnoses were pneumonia (42 %), acute bronchitis (20 %) and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (16 %). Among the 52 (25 %) patients who had a lung CT-scan, the most frequent abnormality was ground glass opacity (41 %). While over four-fifths of patients (81 %) received empirical antibiotic therapy, a bacterial coinfection was diagnosed in 61 (29 %) patients. Mixed flora (16 %) and enterobacteria (5 %) were the predominant documentations. The composite criterion of complicated course was assessable in 202 (97 %) patients, and present in 37 (18 %) of them. In the subpopulation of pneumonia patients (42 %), we observed a more complicated course in those with a bacterial coinfection (8/24, 33 %) as compared to those without (5/60, 8 %) (p = 0.02). Sixty (29 %) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. Among them, 23 (38 %) patients required invasive mechanical ventilation. In multivariable analysis, tachycardia and alteration of consciousness were identified as risk factors for complicated course.

Conclusion

hMPV-associated lower respiratory tract infections in adult inpatients mostly involved elderly people with pre-existing conditions. Bacterial coinfection was present in nearly 30 % of the patients. The need for mechanical ventilation and/or the hospital death were observed in almost 20 % of the patients.

Generating the evidence to support the establishment of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus surveillance system in Cameroon: A study protocol

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the major pathogens frequently associated with severe respiratory tract infections in younger children and older adults globally. There is an unmet need with a lack of routine country-specific databases and/or RSV surveillance systems on RSV disease burden among adults in most low- and middle-income countries, including Cameroon. We aim to estimate the adult RSV burden needed to develop a framework for establishing an RSV surveillance database in Cameroon.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A two-phase study approach will be implemented, including a literature review and a review of medical records. First, a systematic review of available literature will provide insights into the current burden of RSV in adults in Cameroon, searching the following databases: Global Health, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, African Journal Online Library, Scopus, Global Index Medicus, Cochrane databases, and grey literature search. Identified studies will be included if they reported on the RSV burden of disease among Cameroonian adults aged ≥18 years from 1st January 1990 to 31st December 2023. A narrative synthesis of the evidence will be provided. A meta-analysis will be conducted using a random effect model, when feasible. Two co-authors will independently perform data screening, extraction, and synthesis and will be reported according to the PRISMA-P guidelines for writing systematic review protocols. Secondly, a retrospective cohort design will permit data analysis on RSV among adults in the laboratory registers at the National Influenza Center. Medical records will be reviewed to link patients' files from emanating hospitals to capture relevant demographic, laboratory, and clinical data. The International Classification of Diseases and Clinical Modifications 10th revision (ICD-10-CM) codes will be used to classify the different RSV outcomes retrospectively.

RESULTS

The primary outcome is quantifying the RSV burden among the adult population, which can help inform policy on establishing an RSV surveillance database in Cameroon. The secondary outcomes include (i) estimates of RSV prevalence among Cameroonian adult age groups, (ii) RSV determinants, and (iii) clinical outcomes, including proportions of RSV-associated morbidity and/or death among age-stratified Cameroonian adults with medically attended acute respiratory tract infections.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence generated from the two projects will be used for further engagement with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, clinicians, and researchers, to develop a framework for systematically establishing an RSV surveillance database in Cameroon. This study proposal has been registered (CRD42023460616) with the University of York Center for Reviews and Dissemination of the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO).

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Older Adults: An Update

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection represents one of the most common infections during childhood, with significant morbidity and mortality in newborns and in the early years of life. RSV is a common infection throughout all age groups, largely undetected and underestimated in adults, with a disproportionately high impact in older individuals. RSV infection has a wide range of clinical presentations, from asymptomatic conditions to acute pneumonia and severe life-threatening respiratory distress, including exacerbations of underlying chronic conditions. Overall, the incidence of RSV infections requiring medical attention increases with age, and it is highest among persons ≥ 70 years of age. As a consequence of a combination of an aging population, immunosenescence, and the related increased burden of comorbidities, high-income countries are at risk of developing RSV epidemics. The standard of care for RSV-infected patients remains supportive, including fluids, antipyretics, and oxygen support when needed. There is an urgent need for antivirals and preventive strategies in this population, particularly in individuals at higher risk of severe outcomes following RSV infection. In this review, we describe prevention and treatment strategies for RSV illnesses, with a deep focus on the novel data on vaccination that has become available (Arexvy, GSK, and Abrysvo, Pfizer) for older adults.

Acute Cardiac Events in Hospitalized Older Adults With Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Importance

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection can cause severe respiratory illness in older adults. Less is known about the cardiac complications of RSV disease compared with those of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Objective

To describe the prevalence and severity of acute cardiac events during hospitalizations among adults aged 50 years or older with RSV infection.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study analyzed surveillance data from the RSV Hospitalization Surveillance Network, which conducts detailed medical record abstraction among hospitalized patients with RSV infection detected through clinician-directed laboratory testing. Cases of RSV infection in adults aged 50 years or older within 12 states over 5 RSV seasons (annually from 2014-2015 through 2017-2018 and 2022-2023) were examined to estimate the weighted period prevalence and 95% CIs of acute cardiac events.

Exposures

Acute cardiac events, identified by International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification or International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification discharge codes, and discharge summary review.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Severe disease outcomes, including intensive care unit (ICU) admission, receipt of invasive mechanical ventilation, or in-hospital death. Adjusted risk ratios (ARR) were calculated to compare severe outcomes among patients with and without acute cardiac events.

Results

The study included 6248 hospitalized adults (median [IQR] age, 72.7 [63.0-82.3] years; 59.6% female; 56.4% with underlying cardiovascular disease) with laboratory-confirmed RSV infection. The weighted estimated prevalence of experiencing a cardiac event was 22.4% (95% CI, 21.0%-23.7%). The weighted estimated prevalence was 15.8% (95% CI, 14.6%-17.0%) for acute heart failure, 7.5% (95% CI, 6.8%-8.3%) for acute ischemic heart disease, 1.3% (95% CI, 1.0%-1.7%) for hypertensive crisis, 1.1% (95% CI, 0.8%-1.4%) for ventricular tachycardia, and 0.6% (95% CI, 0.4%-0.8%) for cardiogenic shock. Adults with underlying cardiovascular disease had a greater risk of experiencing an acute cardiac event relative to those who did not (33.0% vs 8.5%; ARR, 3.51; 95% CI, 2.85-4.32). Among all hospitalized adults with RSV infection, 18.6% required ICU admission and 4.9% died during hospitalization. Compared with patients without an acute cardiac event, those who experienced an acute cardiac event had a greater risk of ICU admission (25.8% vs 16.5%; ARR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.23-1.93) and in-hospital death (8.1% vs 4.0%; ARR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.36-2.31).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study over 5 RSV seasons, nearly one-quarter of hospitalized adults aged 50 years or older with RSV infection experienced an acute cardiac event (most frequently acute heart failure), including 1 in 12 adults (8.5%) with no documented underlying cardiovascular disease. The risk of severe outcomes was nearly twice as high in patients with acute cardiac events compared with patients who did not experience an acute cardiac event. These findings clarify the baseline epidemiology of potential cardiac complications of RSV infection prior to RSV vaccine availability.

Cost-effectiveness of Prefusion F Protein-based Vaccines Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease for Older Adults in the United States

BACKGROUND

Two prefusion F protein-based vaccines, Arexvy and Abrysvo, have been authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration for protecting older adults against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract illness. We evaluated the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of these vaccines.

METHODS

We developed a discrete-event simulation model, parameterized with the burden of RSV disease including outpatient care, hospitalization, and death for adults aged 60 years or older in the United States. Taking into account the costs associated with these RSV-related outcomes, we calculated the net monetary benefit using quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained as a measure of effectiveness and determined the range of price-per-dose (PPD) for Arexvy and Abrysvo vaccination programs to be cost-effective from a societal perspective.

RESULTS

Using a willingness-to-pay of $95 000 per QALY gained, we found that vaccination programs could be cost-effective for a PPD up to $127 with Arexvy and $118 with Abrysvo over the first RSV season. Achieving an influenza-like vaccination coverage of 66% for the population of older adults in the United States, the budget impact of these programs at the maximum PPD ranged from $6.48 to $6.78 billion. If the benefits of vaccination extend to a second RSV season as reported in clinical trials, we estimated a maximum PPD of $235 for Arexvy and $245 for Abrysvo, with 2-year budget impacts of $11.78 and $12.25 billion, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccination of older adults would provide substantial direct health benefits by reducing outcomes associated with RSV-related illness in this population.

Association of respiratory infections and the impact of vaccinations on cardiovascular diseases

Influenza, pneumococcal, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and respiratory syncytial virus infections are important causes of high morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Beyond the burden of infectious diseases, they are also associated with several non-infectious complications like cardiovascular events. A growing body of evidence in prospective studies and meta-analyses has shown the impact of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines on types of cardiovascular outcomes in the general population. Influenza vaccination showed a potential benefit for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases across all ages. A reduced risk of cardiovascular events for individuals aged 65 years and older was associated with pneumococcal vaccination. Despite scientific evidence on the effectiveness, safety, and benefits of the vaccines and recommendations to vaccinate elderly patients and those with risk factors, vaccination rates remain sub-optimal in this population. Doubts about vaccine necessity or efficacy and concerns about possible adverse events in patients and physicians refer to delayed acceptance. Vaccination campaigns targeting increasing professional recommendations and public perceptions should be implemented in the coming years. The aim of this review paper is to summarize the effect of vaccination in the field of cardiovascular disease to achieve a higher vaccination rate in this patient population.

Predictors of prolonged length of stay in adult patients with respiratory syncytial virus infections - a multi-center historical cohort study

Objectives

Several studies have reported risk factors for severe disease and mortality in hospitalized adults with RSV infections. There is limited information available regarding the factors that affect the duration of a patient's hospital length of stay (LOS).

Methods

This was a multicenter historical cohort study of adult patients hospitalized for laboratory-confirmed RSV in Southeast Michigan between January 2017 and December 2021. Hospitalized patients were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision 10 codes for RSV infection. Mean LOS was computed; prolonged LOS was defined as greater than the mean.

Results

We included 360 patients with a mean age (SD) of 69.9 ± 14.7 years, 63.6% (229) were female and 63.3% (228) of white race. The mean hospital LOS was 7.1 ± 5.4 days. Factors associated with prolonged LOS in univariable analysis were old age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, Charlson Weighted Index of Comorbidity (CWIC), home oxygen, abnormal chest x-ray (CXR), presence of sepsis, use of oxygen, and antibiotics at the time of presentation. Predictors for prolonged LOS on admission in multivariable analysis were age on admission (p < 0.001), smoking status (p = 0.001), CWIC (p = 0.038) and abnormal CXR (p = 0.043).

Interpretation

Our study found that age on admission, smoking history, higher CWIC and abnormal CXR on admission were significantly associated with prolonged LOS among adult patients hospitalized with RSV infection. These findings highlight the significance of promptly recognizing and implementing early interventions to mitigate the duration of hospitalization for adult patients suffering from RSV infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus-related hospital stays in adults in France from 2012 to 2021: A national hospital database study

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) that may lead to hospitalization or death. The present study aimed to assess the burden of RSV infections in hospitalized adults.

METHODS

RSV-related hospitalizations were identified from the nationwide hospital claims database in France (PMSI) from 2012 to 2021 using ICD-10 codes J12.1, J20.5, J21.0 or B97.4, and outcomes assessment focused on 2016-2020. In-hospital outcomes included length of stay, need for intensive care (ICU) and in-hospital all-cause mortality. Post-discharge outcomes included 30-day readmission for decompensation, 90-day RSV-related readmission, and 30 and 60-day in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

A cumulated number of 17 483 RSV-related stays were identified representing a rate of 72.0 cases per million stays. The outcomes assessment included 12,987 patients: 55.8 % were females and the mean age was 74.1 ± 16.4 years, with 57 % ≥ 75 years. Most of patients (78.6 %) had at least one comorbidity, mainly chronic respiratory (56.3 %) and cardiovascular diseases (41.3 %), or diabetes (23.5 %). A co-infection was found in 22.4 %, primarily bacterial (12 %). The mean length of stay was 12.3 ± 13.1 days. Overall, 10.9 % were admitted to an ICU and in-hospital mortality was 7.3 %. In-hospital outcomes were higher in cases of co-infection. Among 12 033 patients alive at discharge from the index stay, 6.5 % were readmitted with RSV within 90 days, 8.1 % for decompensation within 30 days, and 5.6 % died within 60-day.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the high burden of RSV infections in older adults and those with chronic conditions, and the need for preventive strategies.

From Forgotten Pathogen to Target for New Vaccines: What Clinicians Need to Know about Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Older Adults

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is increasingly recognized as being implicated in acute illness in older adults, with a significant weight in hospitalizations for respiratory illness and death. By means of a best-evidence review, this paper aims to investigate whether RSV can be considered a forgotten pathogen in older patients, looking at trends in the literature volume and exploring possible epidemiological and clinical features underlying the focus given to it. We then present an assessment of its disease burden and present and future strategies for its reduction, particularly in light of the recent availability of new vaccines.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Hospitalization in Adults With Comorbidities in 2 European Countries: A Modeling Study

BACKGROUND

Individuals with comorbidities are at increased risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. We estimated RSV-associated respiratory hospitalization among adults aged ≥45 years with comorbidities in Denmark and Scotland.

METHODS

By analyzing national hospital and virologic data, we estimated annual RSV-associated hospitalizations by 7 selected comorbidities and ages between 2010 and 2018. We estimated rate ratios of RSV-associated hospitalization for adults with comorbidity than the overall population.

RESULTS

In Denmark, annual RSV-associated hospitalization rates per 1000 adults ranged from 3.1 for asthma to 19.4 for chronic kidney disease (CKD). In Scotland, rates ranged from 2.4 for chronic liver disease to 9.0 for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In both countries, we found a 2- to 4-fold increased risk of RSV hospitalization for adults with COPD, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes; a 1.5- to 3-fold increased risk for asthma; and a 3- to 7-fold increased risk for CKD. RSV hospitalization rates among adults aged 45 to 64 years with COPD, asthma, ischemic heart disease, or CKD were higher than the overall population.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides important evidence for identifying risk groups and assisting health authorities in RSV vaccination policy making.

Psychometric evaluation of the respiratory syncytial virus infection, intensity and impact questionnaire (RSV-iiiQ) in adults

BACKGROUND

Despite a number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine candidates being tested in clinical trials, disease-specific, self-reported instruments assessing symptom severity of RSV infection from the perspective of adult patients are still needed. The RSV Infection, Intensity and Impact Questionnaire (RSV-iiiQ) was adapted from the Influenza Intensity and Impact Questionnaire (FluiiQ™). This study evaluated some measurement properties of the RSV-iiiQ.

METHODS

Data were collected in a web-based survey over two consecutive days. Participants completed the RSV-iiiQ, the Patient Global Impression of Severity, Sheehan Disability Scale, Patient Global Impression of Change, EQ-5D-5L, and a demographic questionnaire. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, and responsiveness of the RSV-iiiQ scales were assessed.

RESULTS

111 adults with RSV were enrolled and self-reported a variety of symptoms across the range of disease severity via a web-based platform. The RSV-iiiQ scales demonstrated satisfactory test-retest reliability, construct validity, and discriminating ability. One-factor confirmatory factor analyses confirmed that each of the four scales was sufficiently unidimensional, and internal consistencies indicated that the computation of RSV-iiiQ scale scores was plausible. Correlation-based analyses provided support for the construct validity of the RSV-iiiQ scores, and known groups analyses supported discriminating ability. Estimates of responsiveness of the scale scores were also satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

RSV infection is highly symptomatic and causes significant disease burden, and self-report instruments assessing symptom severity and impact are important for evaluation of new treatments. This study describes the preliminary psychometric properties of the RSV-iiiQ and indicates this tool may be useful for the assessment of the severity of symptoms and impact of acute RSV infection in adults. The findings also indicated two items, Runny nose and Ear pain, may be unnecessary and should be revisited using item response theory analysis with a larger sample size.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Intention to Recommend RSV Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Cardiologists and Cardiac Nurses in Southern Italy

As respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine distribution gains traction in Europe and Italy, healthcare workers (HCWs) can strategize about vaccine promotion to increase uptake among patients at risk of RSV consequences, such cardiac patients. This cross-sectional survey investigated the knowledge about and attitude towards RSV and RSV vaccines, and the intention to recommend vaccination within a cardiological hospital in Italy. To explore factors associated with the outcomes of interest, multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Of 197 invited HCWs, 78.2% returned the survey. The knowledge about market authorisation for new RSV vaccines for older adults (present in 46.9% of respondents) was significantly associated with the HCWs' age, education, and previous update on vaccinations. HCWs with a higher educational level and those with a positive attitude towards RSV vaccines safety reported a higher attitude towards the importance of vaccinating people at risk. The willingness of recommending RSV vaccination to patients (70.5% of respondents) was more likely in HCWs who were knowledgeable about market authorisation for RSV vaccines and in physicians. This tempestive research sheds light on current factors influencing the strategies of cardiac HCWs regarding RSV vaccination. The results suggest the need for training events on the protective role of RSV vaccination in cardiac patients.

Estimation of the Number of Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Hospitalizations in Adults in the European Union

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in adults that can result in hospitalizations. Estimating RSV-associated hospitalization is critical for planning RSV-related healthcare across Europe.

METHODS

We gathered RSV-associated hospitalization estimates from the RSV Consortium in Europe (RESCEU) for adults in Denmark, England, Finland, Norway, Netherlands, and Scotland from 2006 to 2017. We extrapolated these estimates to 28 European Union (EU) countries using nearest-neighbor matching, multiple imputations, and 2 sets of 10 indicators.

RESULTS

On average, 158 229 (95% confidence interval [CI], 140 865-175 592) RSV-associated hospitalizations occur annually among adults in the EU (≥18 years); 92% of these hospitalizations occur in adults ≥65 years. Among 75-84 years, the annual average is estimated at 74 519 (95% CI, 69 923-79 115) at a rate of 2.24 (95% CI, 2.10-2.38) per 1000. Among ≥85 years, the annual average is estimated at 37 904 (95% CI, 32 444-43 363) at a rate of 2.99 (95% CI, 2.56-3.42).

CONCLUSIONS

Our estimates of RSV-associated hospitalizations in adults are the first analysis integrating available data to provide the disease burden across the EU. Importantly, for a condition considered in the past to be primarily a disease of young children, the average annual hospitalization estimate in adults was lower but of a similar magnitude to the estimate in young children (0-4 years): 158 229 (95% CI, 140 865-175 592) versus 245 244 (95% CI, 224 688-265 799).

Diabetes and bacterial co-infection are two independent risk factors for respiratory syncytial virus disease severity

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is common among older adults hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infection, yet information on the impact of DM on disease severity is limited. This study retrospectively analyzed 46 Turkish patients infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with information on their comorbidities, co-infection status, and symptoms. Patients are grouped into four severity levels from mild to severe, according to lung parenchymal infiltration status and oxygen level. Similar to previously published studies, we found that comorbidities of diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, co-infection of any type, bacterial co-infection, and age are associated with the disease severity. Cough is the most common symptom (89%) followed by fever (26%) and myalgia, dyspnea, and weakness (around 20%). Using a second-order analysis (two-variable regression), we identified two independent risks for disease severity, the first is represented by diabetes, and the second is represented by bacterial co-infection. We observed two patients whose more severe symptoms were not associated with an older age, but associated with a combination of diabetes and bacterial co-infection. To confirm the true causality from the statistical correlation, further studies are needed.

Reduced Respiratory Syncytial Virus Load, Symptoms, and Infections: A Human Challenge Trial of MVA-BN-RSV Vaccine

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant disease burden in older adults. MVA-BN-RSV is a novel poxvirus-vectored vaccine encoding internal and external RSV proteins.

METHODS

In a phase 2a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy participants aged 18 to 50 years received MVA-BN-RSV or placebo, then were challenged 4 weeks later with RSV-A Memphis 37b. Viral load was assessed from nasal washes. RSV symptoms were collected. Antibody titers and cellular markers were assessed before and after vaccination and challenge.

RESULTS

After receiving MVA-BN-RSV or placebo, 31 and 32 participants, respectively, were challenged. Viral load areas under the curve from nasal washes were lower (P = .017) for MVA-BN-RSV (median = 0.00) than placebo (median = 49.05). Total symptom scores also were lower (median = 2.50 and 27.00, respectively; P = .004). Vaccine efficacy against symptomatic, laboratory-confirmed or culture-confirmed infection was 79.3% to 88.5% (P = .022 and .013). Serum immunoglobulin A and G titers increased approximately 4-fold after MVA-BN-RSV vaccination. Interferon-γ-producing cells increased 4- to 6-fold after MVA-BN-RSV in response to stimulation with the encoded RSV internal antigens. Injection site pain occurred more frequently with MVA-BN-RSV. No serious adverse events were attributed to vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

MVA-BN-RSV vaccination resulted in lower viral load and symptom scores, fewer confirmed infections, and induced humoral and cellular responses.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT04752644.

A Rare Association: Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) Secondary to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection

We present a case report on a rare association between non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in a patient with no traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) including a family history of premature coronary artery disease (CAD). While RSV is commonly known for its respiratory manifestations, it has been increasingly recognized as a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in adults, particularly those with underlying comorbidities. However, the association between RSV infection and NSTEMI, especially in patients without traditional risk factors, remains relatively unexplored. Our case involves a 31-year-old healthy adult who presented with progressive exertional chest pain and flu-like symptoms. Electrocardiogram (EKG) changes and elevated troponin levels indicated NSTEMI. Laboratory tests confirmed RSV infection. Angiography revealed significant coronary artery disease requiring percutaneous coronary intervention. This case highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of the potential cardiovascular (CV) complications associated with RSV infection, even in patients without traditional risk factors. It expands our understanding of viral respiratory infections as potential triggers for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and emphasizes the importance of considering RSV infection in the differential diagnosis of NSTEMI, especially in young otherwise healthy individuals. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop preventive strategies for RSV-related cardiovascular complications.

Cost-Effectiveness of Prefusion F Protein-Based Vaccines Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease for Older Adults in the United States

Background

Two prefusion F protein-based vaccines, Arexvy and Abrysvo, have been authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration for protecting older adults against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract illness. We evaluated the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of these vaccines.

Methods

We developed a discrete-event simulation model, parameterized with the burden of RSV disease including outpatient care, hospitalization, and death for adults aged 60 years or older in the US. Taking into account the costs associated with these RSV-related outcomes, we calculated the net monetary benefit using quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) gained as a measure of effectiveness, and determined the range of price-per-dose (PPD) for Arexvy and Abrysvo vaccination programs to be cost-effective from a societal perspective.

Results

Using a willingness-to-pay of $95,000 per QALY gained, we found that vaccination programs could be cost-effective for a PPD under $120 with Arexvy and $111 with Abrysvo over the first RSV season. Achieving an influenza-like vaccination coverage of 66% for the population of older adults in the US, the budget impact of these programs at the maximum PPD ranged from $5.74 to $6.10 billion. If the benefits of vaccination extend to a second RSV season as reported in clinical trials, we estimated a maximum PPD of $250 for Arexvy and $233 for Abrysvo, with two-year budget impacts of $11.59 and $10.89 billion, respectively.

Conclusions

Vaccination of older adults would provide substantial direct health benefits by reducing outcomes associated with RSV-related illness in this population.

Burden of illness associated with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-related hospitalizations among adults in Ontario, Canada: A retrospective population-based study

BACKGROUND

Globally, RSV is a common viral pathogen that causes 64 million acute respiratory infections annually. Our objective was to determine the incidence of hospitalization, healthcare resource use and associated costs of adults hospitalized with RSV in Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

To describe the epidemiology of adults hospitalized with RSV, we used a validated algorithm applied to a population-based healthcare utilization administrative dataset in Ontario, Canada. We created a retrospective cohort of incident hospitalized adults with RSV between September 2010 and August 2017 and followed each person for up to two years. To determine the burden of illness associated with hospitalization and post-discharge healthcare encounters each RSV-admitted patient was matched to two unexposed controls based on demographics and risk factors. Patient demographics were described and mean attributable 6-month and 2-year healthcare costs (2019 Canadian dollars) were estimated.

RESULTS

There were 7,091 adults with RSV-associated hospitalizations between 2010 and 2019 with a mean age of 74.6 years; 60.4 % were female. RSV-coded hospitalization rates increased from 1.4 to 14.6 per 100,000 adults between 2010-2011 and 2018-2019. The mean difference in healthcare costs between RSV-admitted patients and matched controls was $28,260 (95 % CI: $27,728 - $28,793) in the first 6 months and $43,721 over 2 years (95 % CI: $40,383 - $47,059) post-hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

RSV hospitalizations among adults increased in Ontario between 2010/11 to 2018/19 RSV seasons. RSV hospitalizations in adults were associated with increased attributable short-term and long-term healthcare costs compared to matched controls. Interventions that could prevent RSV in adults may reduce healthcare burden.

Predicted Public Health and Economic Impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination with Variable Duration of Protection for Adults ≥60 Years in Belgium

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in older adults. This study used a static, cohort-based decision-tree model to estimate the public health and economic impact of vaccination against RSV in Belgians aged ≥60 years compared with no vaccination for different vaccine duration of protection profiles from a healthcare payer perspective. Three vaccine protection durations were compared (1, 3, and 5 years), and several sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed. Results showed that an RSV vaccine with a 3-year duration of protection would prevent 154,728 symptomatic RSV-ARI cases, 3688 hospitalizations, and 502 deaths over three years compared to no vaccination in older adults and would save EUR 35,982,857 in direct medical costs in Belgium. The number needed to vaccinate to prevent one RSV-ARI case was 11 for the 3-year duration profile, while it was 28 and 8 for the 1- and 5-year vaccine duration profiles, respectively. The model was generally robust in sensitivity analyses varying key input values. This study suggested that vaccination could substantially decrease the public health and economic burden of RSV in adults ≥60 years in Belgium, with benefits increasing with a longer duration of vaccine protection.

Assessing the patient experience of respiratory syncytial virus infection: development of a patient-reported outcome measure

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant morbidity and mortality in older adults. Despite a number of RSV vaccine candidates in clinical trials, there are no existing disease-specific, self-reported measures that assess the symptoms and severity of RSV infection from the perspective of adult patients with acute RSV. The objective of this study was to describe the initial conceptualization and development of the RSV Infection, Intensity and Impact Questionnaire (RSV-iiiQ), a new patient-reported outcome measure.

METHODS

A targeted review of the literature identified relevant existing measures, symptoms, and impacts of RSV. A draft version of the RSV-iiiQ was developed based on the Influenza Intensity and Impact Questionnaire (Flu-iiQ) with expert input. Qualitative interviews (N = 20) were conducted with participants to optimize the RSV-iiiQ conceptual model and confirm the content validity of the RSV-iiiQ. Interviews included concept elicitation and a cognitive debriefing assessment. A draft conceptual framework was developed, and the electronic clinical outcome assessment was piloted. All steps of instrument development followed Food and Drug Administration guidance for patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

In-depth concept elicitation interviews followed by cognitive debriefings demonstrated that the content of the items was comprehensive, covered the breadth of RSV symptoms and impacts, and was relevant to the experiences of individuals with RSV. Both the paper and electronic versions of the RSV-iiiQ were easily completed. Minor refinements were made to some items based on participant feedback, and the draft conceptual framework was refined.

CONCLUSIONS

The RSV-iiiQ was developed for use in clinical trials to measure the symptom intensity and impact of acute RSV infection from the perspective of adult patients. The tool was developed in accordance with current regulatory guidance and is useful to support patient-focused drug development.

Vaccination against Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Spanish Adults: Practical Recommendations by the NeumoExperts Prevention Group

In the adult population, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a serious disease that is responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates, being frequently associated with multidrug resistant pathogens. The aim of this review is to update a practical immunization prevention guideline for CAP in Spain caused by prevalent respiratory pathogens, based on the available scientific evidence through extensive bibliographic review and expert opinion. The emergence of COVID-19 as an additional etiological cause of CAP, together with the rapid changes in the availability of vaccines and recommendations against SARS-CoV-2, justifies the need for an update. In addition, new conjugate vaccines of broader spectrum against pneumococcus, existing vaccines targeting influenza and pertussis or upcoming vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) will be very useful prophylactic tools to diminish the burden of CAP and all of its derived complications. In this manuscript, we provide practical recommendations for adult vaccination against the pathogens mentioned above, including their contribution against antibiotic resistance. This guide is intended for the individual perspective of protection and not for vaccination policies, as we do not pretend to interfere with the official recommendations of any country. The use of vaccines is a realistic approach to fight these infections and ameliorate the impact of antimicrobial resistance. All of the recently available scientific evidence included in this review gives support to the indications established in this practical guide to reinforce the dissemination and implementation of these recommendations in routine clinical practice.

Cardiovascular Complications of Viral Respiratory Infections and COVID-19

Viral respiratory infections (VRI) are the most prevalent type of infectious diseases and constitute one of the most common causes of contact with medical care. Regarding the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system, VRI can not only exacerbate already existing chronic cardiovascular disease (such as coronary artery disease or heart failure) but also trigger new adverse events or complications (e.g., venous thromboembolism), the latter particularly in subjects with multimorbidity or disease-related immobilization. In the current paper, we provide a narrative review of diverse cardiovascular complications of VRI as well as summarize available data on the pathology of the circulatory system in the course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza Virus Infection in the Adult Population in Spain between 2012 and 2020

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is increasingly recognized as a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in adults. We aimed to estimate the rates of age-specific hospitalization and in-hospital mortality caused by acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) in Spain between 2012 and 2020 and to compare the relative impact of RSV and influenza virus infection in adults. We used the discharge reports from the Minimum Basic Data Set to retrospectively analyze hospital discharge data on the basis of the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. A total of 1,518,244 patients were hospitalized for ALRTIs, of whom 137,794 (9.1%) were admitted for RSV-related infections and 46,288 (3.0%) for influenza-related infections. In patients aged 60 years or older, the hospitalization rates (per 100,000 population) were estimated at 1.69 (95% CI 1.68-1.70) and 2.72 (95% CI 2.71-2.73) for RSV and influenza patients, respectively. However, in-hospital mortality rates were significantly higher among RSV patients than among influenza patients, 7.91% (95% CI 7.89-7.93) (83.0% of all RSV-related deaths) versus 6.91% (95% CI 6.89-6.93) (85.6% of all influenza-related deaths), respectively (p = 0.007). RSV-associated in-hospital mortality increases exponentially with age, posing a greater risk for older adults, particularly frail and high-risk patients.

Estimating the burden of adult hospitalized RSV infection including special populations

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies in the U.S. have made estimates of the RSV burden among adults that vary widely due to differences in methodology, reliance on influenza surveillance, which does not adequately capture all RSV clinical symptoms, and lack of diagnostic methods to identify RSV when viral loads are low. Nevertheless, accurate burden estimates can inform healthcare planning, resource allocation and potentially, RSV vaccine policy.

METHODS

A simple method combined with statewide and local hospitalization, medical record and U.S. Census data were used to estimate population-based RSV hospitalization burden among adults ages 18-64 years, ≥65 years, and including immunocompetent, immunocompromised and pregnant individuals during 2015-2018 for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Economic burden of hospitalization was estimated using state-provided average hospitalization charges for comparisons across patient groups.

RESULTS

The largest burden was borne by adults ≥ 65 years of age whose rates per 100,000 population of that age group (939/100,000) were 7.0-9.0 times those of adults 18-64 years of age (118/100,000). Immunosuppressed patients bore the greatest relative burden of RSV hospitalizations (1,288-1,562/100,000 immunosuppressed individuals). RSV burden ranged from 0 to 808/100,000 pregnant women. Average total charges for RSV hospitalization in Allegheny County across all adults increased from $39 million in 2015-2016 to $57 million in 2016-2017 to $89 million in 2017-2018, due to both increased average charges for an acute respiratory hospitalization and increased numbers of RSV cases.

CONCLUSIONS

These RSV burden estimates add to the body of knowledge to guide public health policy makers and offer a method for simply and easily producing population-based burden estimates.

Airborne bacterial and PM characterization in intensive care units: correlations with physical control parameters

In this study, the spatial variation of airborne bacteria in intensive care units (ICUs) was characterized. Fine particulate matter and several physical parameters were also monitored including temperature and relative humidity. The results showed that the total bacterial load ranged between 20.4 and 134.3 CFU/m³ across the ICUs. Bacterial cultures of the collected samples did not isolate any multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli indicating the absence of such aerosolized pathogens in the ICUs. Meanwhile, particulate matter levels in several ICUs were found to exceed the international guidelines set for 24-h PM exposure. Moreover, examining bacterial load contribution by size suggested that bacteria with sizes less than 0.65 µm contributed the least to the total bacterial loads, while those with sizes between 0.65 and 1.1 µm contributed the most. A multiple linear regression model was also built to predict the bacterial loads in the ICUs. The regression analysis explained 77% of the variability observed in the measured bacterial concentrations. The model showed that the level of activity in the ICU rooms as well as its occupancy level had strong positive correlations with bacterial loads, while distance away from the patient had a non-linear relationship with measured loads. No statistically significant correlation was found between bacterial load and particulate matter concentrations.

RSV-associated hospitalization in adults in the USA: A retrospective chart review investigating burden, management strategies, and outcomes

Background and Aims

The burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in adults is of growing concern. This study was designed to quantify disease burden, treatment approaches, and outcomes associated with RSV infections in adult subpopulations, from prehospitalization to hospital discharge.

Methods

A retrospective chart analysis was conducted to collect patient-case data from hospitalized US adults (aged >18 years) with RSV infection during two RSV seasons. Patients were categorized into risk groups: comorbid lung disease, immunocompromised, older adults (aged ≥65 years), and other adults (aged <65 years). Physicians reported diagnosis, treatment choices including respiratory supportive therapy (oxygen and fluid supplementation), and outcome variables using a standardized online case form.

Results

The majority (277/379; 73%) of patients presented to the emergency room, with a mean age of 60 years. Once hospitalized, the median length of stay was 6.0 days (3.0-9.0), with disease severity having the greatest impact on duration of stay. No significant between-group differences in rates of patients requiring management in intensive care units were found (comorbid lung disease, 28%; immunocompromised, 36%; older adults, 26%; and other adults, 23%). Overall, respiratory supportive therapy was the most commonly used form of treatment. Antibiotics were administered in over half of all risk groups (comorbid lung disease, 61%; immunocompromised, 59%; older adults, 59%; and other adults, 51%). Patients usually required follow-up visits following discharge, with 10%-16% requiring skilled nursing care and approximately 25% requiring assistance from a social worker.

Conclusion

RSV in adult subpopulations, irrespective of age, is a significant burden to healthcare systems.

Rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated hospitalization among adults with congestive heart failure—United States, 2015–2017

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause severe disease in adults with cardiopulmonary conditions, such as congestive heart failure (CHF). We quantified the rate of RSV-associated hospitalization in adults by CHF status using population-based surveillance in the United States.

Methods

Population-based surveillance for RSV (RSV-NET) was performed in 35 counties in seven sites during two respiratory seasons (2015–2017) from October 1–April 30. Adults (≥18 years) admitted to a hospital within the surveillance catchment area with laboratory-confirmed RSV identified by clinician-directed testing were included. Presence of underlying CHF was determined by medical chart abstraction. We calculated overall and age-stratified (<65 years and ≥65 years) RSV-associated hospitalization rates by CHF status. Estimates were adjusted for age and the under-detection of RSV. We also report rate differences (RD) and rate ratios (RR) by comparing the rates for those with and without CHF.

Results

2042 hospitalized RSV cases with CHF status recorded were identified. Most (60.2%, n = 1230) were ≥65 years, and 28.3% (n = 577) had CHF. The adjusted RSV hospitalization rate was 26.7 (95% CI: 22.2, 31.8) per 10,000 population in adults with CHF versus 3.3 (95% CI: 3.3, 3.3) per 10,000 in adults without CHF (RR: 8.1, 95% CI: 6.8, 9.7; RD: 23.4, 95% CI: 18.9, 28.5). Adults with CHF had higher rates of RSV-associated hospitalization in both age groups (<65 years and ≥65 years). Adults ≥65 years with CHF had the highest rate (40.5 per 10,000 population, 95% CI: 35.1, 46.6).

Conclusions

Adults with CHF had 8 times the rate of RSV-associated hospitalization compared with adults without CHF. Identifying high-risk populations for RSV infection can inform future RSV vaccination policies and recommendations.

Clinical characteristics and population-based attack rates of respiratory syncytial virus versus influenza hospitalizations among adults-An observational study

BACKGROUND

The clinical significance of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among adults remains underinvestigated. We compared the characteristics and population-based attack rates of RSV and influenza hospitalizations.

METHODS

During 2018-2020, we recruited hospitalized adults with respiratory infection to our prospective substudy at a tertiary care hospital in Finland and compared the characteristics of RSV and influenza patients. In our retrospective substudy, we calculated the attack rates of all RSV and influenza hospitalizations among adults in the same geographic area during 2016-2020.

RESULTS

Of the 537 prospective substudy patients, 31 (6%) had RSV, and 106 (20%) had influenza. Duration of hospitalization, need for intensive care or outcome did not differ significantly between RSV and influenza patients. RSV was more often missed or its diagnosis omitted from medical record (13% vs 1% p = 0.016 and 48% vs 15%, p > 0.001). In the retrospective substudy, the mean attack rates of RSV, influenza A, and influenza B hospitalizations rose with age from 4.1 (range by season 1.9-5.9), 15.4 (12.3-23.3), and 4.7 (0.5-16.2) per 100,000 persons among 18- to 64-year-olds to 58.3 (19.3-117.6), 204.1 (31.0-345.0), and 60.4 (0.0-231.0) per 100,000 persons among 65+-year-olds and varied considerably between seasons.

DISCUSSION

While the attack rates of influenza hospitalizations were higher compared with RSV, RSV and influenza hospitalizations were similar in severity. Missing or underreporting of RSV infections may lead to underestimating its disease burden. Both RSV and influenza caused a substantial amount of hospitalizations among the elderly, stressing the need for more effective interventions.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a negative sense single-stranded RNA virus that can result in epidemics of seasonal respiratory infections. Generally, one of the two genotypes (A and B) predominates in a single season and alternate annually with regional variation. RSV is a known cause of disease and death at both extremes of ages in the pediatric and elderly, as well as immunocompromised populations. The clinical impact of RSV on the hospitalized adults has been recently clarified with the expanded use of multiplex molecular assays. Among adults, RSV can produce a wide range of clinical symptoms due to upper respiratory tract infections potentially leading to severe lower respiratory tract infections, as well as exacerbations of underlying cardiac and lung diseases. While supportive care is the mainstay of therapy, there are currently multiple therapeutic and preventative options under development.

Etiology of viral respiratory tract infections in hospitalized adults, and evidence of the high frequency of prehospitalization antibiotic treatment in Norway

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) cause considerable morbidity and mortality in all age groups, but the epidemiology and role of several of the viral RTIs in the adult and elderly patients are still unclear, as is the extent of prehospitalization antibacterial drug use in this population.

METHODS

We conducted a three-year (2015-2018) observational study of viral RTIs in hospitalized patients in a 500-bed hospital in Southeastern Norway, including all patients ≥18 years with RTI symptoms where one of the following viral agents was detected in a respiratory specimen (Seegene Allplex): Influenza A/B, RSV A/B, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), adenovirus and parainfluenza virus 1-4. Viral findings, demographical data, and information on prehospital antibiotic prescriptions were recorded.

RESULTS

In 1182 patients 1222 viral infection events occurred. The mean patient age was 69.6 years, and 53% were females. Influenza virus A/B (63%), RSV A/B (15%) and hMPV (13%) were the most common agents detected. The proportional burden of influenza A H1 was found to be relatively high (65%) in the age groups <69 years, compared to older patients (P = .001, chi-square).As many as 20% of the patients had been treated with antibiotics prior to admission, with the lowest rate for influenza A H3 group at 17% (P = .036, chi-square), and highest for the RSV group at 28% (P = .004, chi-square).Oseltamivir was prescribed prior to hospitalization in only 3 cases (0.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

We found a high rate of prehospital antibiotic prescription in adults hospitalized with viral RTIs, warranting better stewardship programs to tackle the increasing antibiotic resistance problem.

Hospitalisation, morbidity and outcomes associated with respiratory syncytial virus compared with influenza in adults of all ages

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is understood to be a cause of significant disease in older adults and children. Further analysis of RSV in younger adults may reveal further insight into its role as an important pathogen in all age groups.

Methods

We identified, through laboratory data, adults who tested positive for either influenza or RSV between January 2017 and June 2019 at a single Australian hospital. We compared baseline demographics, testing patterns, hospitalisations and outcomes between these groups.

Results

Of 1128 influenza and 193 RSV patients, the RSV cohort was older (mean age 54.7 vs. 64.9, p < 0.001) and was more comorbid as determined by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (2.4 vs. 3.2, p < 0.001). For influenza hospitalisations, the majority admitted were aged under 65 which was not the case for RSV (61.8% vs. 45.6%, p < 0.001). Testing occurred later in RSV hospitalisations as measured by the proportion tested in the emergency department (ED) (80.3% vs. 69.2%, p < 0.001), and this was strongly associated with differences in presenting phenotype (the presence of fever). RSV was the biggest predictor of 6‐month representation, with age and comorbidities predicting this less strongly.

Conclusion

RSV is a significant contributor to morbidity and hospitalisation, sometimes outweighing that of influenza, and is not limited to elderly cohorts. Understanding key differences in the clinical syndrome and consequent testing paradigms may allow better detection and potentially treatment of RSV to reduce individual morbidity and health system burden. This growing area of research helps quantify the need for directed therapies for RSV.

Respiratory syncytial virus acute respiratory infections in ≥ 65-year-old adults in long-term care facilities in the Czech Republic

OBJECTIVES

Due to immunosenescence and presence of comorbidities, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease burden is a major health concern in older adults, which is expected to increase with the life expectancy rise. Data on RSV burden are scarce in older adults residing in long-term care facilities, a vulnerable population living in crowded settings. Therefore, two independent prospective studies were conducted during the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 RSV seasons to assess RSV acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in ≥ 65-year-old adults residing in long-term care facilities in the Czech Republic.

METHODS

RSV ARI episodes were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction in nasal swabs collected within 3 days of symptoms onset. The mortality and morbidity of RSV-confirmed ARIs, as well as the risk factors associated with RSV-confirmed ARIs were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 1,251 participants in the 2003-2004 season (ARI surveillance between October and March), there were no RSV-positive cases in 255 ARI and 105 LRTI episodes. Among 1,280 participants in the 2004-2005 season (ARI surveillance between October and April), there were 39 and 26 RSV-positive cases in 335 ARI and 217 LRTI episodes, respectively, and RSV-positive ARI and LRTI episode incidence rates were 45.82 and 30.40 per 1,000 person-years. Among 290 RSV-negative and 39 RSV-positive ARI cases in the 2004-2005 season, 15 and 4 hospitalizations, 188 and 26 LRTIs, and 11 and 3 deaths were reported. Risk factors associated with RSV-positive ARI were female gender (odds ratio: 4.98), chronic heart failure class II (odds ratio: 2.31) and diabetes requiring insulin treatment (odds ratio: 9.82).

CONCLUSIONS

These studies showed that RSV was an important cause of ARI in older adults living in long-term care facilities in the 2004-2005 season, with fluctuating yearly incidences.

Respiratory Viruses in Acute Exacerbations of Bronchiectasis

BACKGROUND

Bacterial infections are well known factors underlying acute exacerbations in bronchiectasis. However, viral infections may also contribute to acute exacerbations. We aimed to assess the rate of viral detection in acute exacerbations of bronchiectasis, and the associated clinical factors.

METHODS

Diagnostic tests for viral and bacterial etiologies were performed in 792 patients with bronchiectasis who visited the emergency room or the respiratory care inpatient unit in a tertiary referral center in South Korea. All patients were diagnosed with bronchiectasis by chest computerized tomography and were prescribed antibiotics for a minimum of 3 days.

RESULTS

Viral pathogens were detected in 202 of the 792 enrolled patients (25.5%). The most common viral pathogen isolated was influenza A virus (24.8%), followed by rhinovirus (22.4%), influenza B virus (9.8%), respiratory syncytial virus B (8.9%), and human metapneumovirus (6.1%). In 145 patients, a viral, but not bacterial, pathogen was detected, whereas no pathogens were found in 443 patients with exacerbations. Multivariable analysis revealed that female sex and chronic heart disease as a comorbidity were positively associated with viral detection in acute exacerbations of patients with bronchiectasis, whereas the presence of radiographic infiltration was negatively associated.

CONCLUSION

Respiratory viruses were identified in approximately 25% of the acute exacerbations observed among patients with bronchiectasis. Of the viruses detected, influenza viruses and rhinovirus made up over 50%. More attention to viruses as possible causative pathogens for acute deteriorating symptoms in patients with bronchiectasis is warranted.

In-hospital and midterm out-hospital complications of adults hospitalised with respiratory syncytial virus infection in France, 2017-2019: an observational study

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical characteristics and in/out-hospital outcomes of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection among adults hospitalised with influenza-like illness (ILI) and compared against patients admitted for influenza.

METHODS

Adults hospitalised with ILI were prospectively included from five French university hospitals over two consecutive winter seasons (2017/2018 and 2018/2019). RSV and influenza virus were detected by multiplex RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs. RSV-positive patients were compared to RSV-negative and influenza-positive hospitalised patients. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) associated with in-hospital and post-discharge outcomes between RSV and influenza infections. The in-hospital outcome was a composite of the occurrence of at least one complication, length of stay ≥7 days, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, use of mechanical ventilation and in-hospital death. Post-discharge outcome included 30/90-day all-cause mortality and 90-day readmission rates.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,428 hospitalised adults with ILI were included. RSV was detected in 8% (114/1428) and influenza virus in 31% (437/1428). Patients hospitalised with RSV were older than those with influenza (mean age, 73.0 versus 68.8 years; p=0.015) with a higher frequency of respiratory (52% versus 39%, p=0.012) or cardiac chronic diseases (52% versus 41%, p=0.039) and longer hospitalisation duration (median stay 8 versus 6 days, p<0.001). Anti-influenza therapies were less prescribed among RSV than influenza patients (20% versus 66%, p<0.001). In-hospital composite outcome was poorer in RSV patients (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR)=1.5; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 1.1-2.1) than in those hospitalised with influenza. No difference was observed for the post-discharge composite outcome (aPR=1.1; 95% CI 0.8-1.6).

CONCLUSION

RSV infection results in serious respiratory illness with in-hospital outcomes worse than influenza and with similar midterm post-discharge outcomes.

Incidence of respiratory syncytial virus related health care utilization in the United States

Background

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the most frequent causes of acute respiratory infection worldwide. Understanding age-specific health care utilization is necessary to guide effective prevention strategies. This retrospective database analysis assessed the incidence rates of RSV-related health care utilization in the USA over a 7-year period.

Methods

Episodes of RSV were identified in the Truven Health MarketScan^® Commercial Claims and Encounters database between 2008 and 2014 using ICD-9-CM codes for pneumonia, bronchiolitis and RSV (480-486, 487.0, 466.1, 491.2, 079.6). Annual RSV-related health care utilization was calculated for the total population, by age group (<1, 1, 2-4, 5-17, 18-49, 50-64, 65-74, 75-84 and ≥85 years) and the proportion of cases for each setting (hospitalization, outpatient, or emergency department [ED] / urgent care [UC]).

Results

Over the 7-year study period, the mean rate of all RSV-associated health care utilization was 2.4 per 1000 person-years, with mean rates ranging from 2.0 to 2.6). The highest rate was seen in infants aged <1 year (mean 79.0 per 1000 over the 7-year period), which decreased with increasing age in the range 2-49 years before increasing with age in older adults (mean rate 8.1 per 1000 over the 7-year period in those ≥85 years). Of all RSV cases, 82% were reported in an outpatient setting, 11% in the ED/UC and 7% were hospitalized.

Conclusions

The annual RSV-related healthcare utilization rates were substantial, especially in infants and young children. These results underscore the need to accelerate the development of RSV prevention strategies to reduce the healthcare burden of RSV.

Severe Morbidity and Short- and Mid- to Long-term Mortality in Older Adults Hospitalized with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

BACKGROUND

We describe the clinical epidemiology and outcomes among a large cohort of older adults hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in the United States.

METHODS

Hospitalized adults aged ≥60 years who tested positive for RSV between 1 January 2011 and 30 June 2015 were identified from Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Patient-level demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, utilization, complications, and mortality were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were 664 patients hospitalized with RSV (61% female, 64% aged ≥75 years). Baseline chronic diseases were prevalent (all >30%); 66% developed pneumonia, 80% of which were radiographically confirmed. Very severe tachypnea (≥26 breaths/minute) was common (56%); 21% required ventilator support and 18% were admitted to intensive care unit. Mortality during hospitalization was 5.6% overall (4.6% in 60-74 year olds and 6.1% in ≥75 year olds). Cumulative mortality within 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of admission was 8.6%, 12.3%, 17.2%, and 25.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

RSV infection in hospitalized older adults often manifested as severe, life-threatening lower respiratory tract illness with high rates of pneumonia, requirement for ventilatory support, and short- and long-term mortality. Increased recognition of the substantial RSV disease burden in adults will be important in evaluation and use of urgently needed interventions.

Dissociation of the respiratory syncytial virus F protein-specific human IgG, IgA and IgM response

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most important causes of severe respiratory tract infections in early childhood. The only prophylactic protection is the neutralizing antibody, palivizumab, which targets a conformational epitope of the RSV fusion (F) protein. The F protein is generated as a F0 precursor containing two furin cleavage sites allowing excision of the P27 fragment and then gives rise to a fusion-competent version consisting of the N-terminal F2 subunit and the a C-terminal F1 subunits linked by two disulphide bonds. To investigate natural human F-specific antibody responses, F2 conferring the species-specificity of RSV, was expressed in Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the F0 protein, comprising both subunits F2 and F1, was expressed as palivizumab-reactive glycoprotein in baculovirus-infected insect cells. Six overlapping F2-derived peptides lacking secondary structure were synthesized. The analysis of IgG, IgA and IgM responses of adult subjects to native versions and denatured forms of F2 and F0 and to unfolded F2-derived peptides revealed that mainly non-conformational F epitopes, some of which represented cryptic epitopes which are not exposed on the proteins were recognized. Furthermore, we found a dissociation of IgG, IgA and IgM antibody responses to F epitopes with F2 being a major target for the F-specific IgM response. The scattered and dissociated immune response to F may explain why the natural RSV-specific antibody response is only partially protective underlining the need for vaccines focusing human antibody responses towards neutralizing RSV epitopes.

Detection of influenza virus in air samples of patient rooms

BACKGROUND

Understanding the transmission and dispersal of influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) via aerosols is essential for the development of preventative measures in hospital environments and healthcare facilities.

METHODS

During the 2017-2018 influenza season, patients with confirmed influenza or RSV infections were enrolled. Room air samples were collected close (0.30 m) to and distant (2.20 m) from patients' heads. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect and quantify viral particles in the air samples. The plaque assay was used to determine the infectiousness of the detected viruses.

FINDINGS

Fifty-one air samples were collected from the rooms of 29 patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza; 51% of the samples tested positive for influenza A virus (IAV). Among the IAV-positive patients, 65% were emitters (had at least one positive air sample), reflecting a higher risk of nosocomial transmission compared with non-emitters. The majority (61.5%) of the IAV-positive air samples were collected 0.3 m from a patient's head, while the remaining IAV-positive air samples were collected 2.2 m from a patient's head. The positivity rate of IAV in air samples was influenced by distance from the patient's head and day of sample collection after hospital admission. Only three patients with RSV infection were recruited and none of them were emitters.

CONCLUSION

Influenza virus can be aerosolized beyond 1 m in patient rooms, which is the distance considered to be safe by infection control practices. Further investigations are needed to determine the extent of infectivity of aerosolized virus particles.

Severe Illnesses Associated With Outbreaks of Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza in Adults

Background

Recent reports have described the contribution of adult respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections to the use of advanced healthcare resources and death.

Methods

Data regarding patients aged ≥18 years admitted to any of Maryland’s 50 acute-care hospitals were evaluated over 12 consecutive years (2001–2013). We examined RSV and influenza (flu) surveillance data from the US National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and used this information to define RSV and flu outbreak periods in the Maryland area. Outbreak periods consisted of consecutive individual weeks during which at least 10% of RSV and/or flu diagnostic tests were positive. We examined relationships of RSV and flu outbreaks to occurrence of 4 advanced medical outcomes (hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, intubated mechanical ventilation, and death) due to medically attended acute respiratory illness (MAARI).

Results

Occurrences of all 4 MAARI-related hospital advanced medical outcomes were consistently greater for all adult ages during RSV, flu, and combined RSV–flu outbreak periods compared to nonoutbreak periods and tended to be greatest in adults aged ≥65 years during combined RSV–flu outbreak periods. Rate ratios for all 4 MAARI-related advanced medical outcomes ranged from 1.04 to 1.38 during the RSV, flu, or combined RSV–flu outbreaks compared to the nonoutbreak periods, with all 95% lower confidence limits >1.

Conclusions

Both RSV and flu outbreaks were associated with surges in MAARI-related advanced medical outcomes (hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, intubated mechanical ventilation, and death) for adults of all ages.

Comparative virulence of seasonal viruses responsible for lower respiratory tract infections: a southern European multi-centre cohort study of hospital admissions

Objectives

Our study aimed to compare the clinical severity of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI’s) caused by Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of LRTI admissions with positive PCR results for Influenza or RSV from 2017 to 2019 in three teaching hospitals in southern Europe. Data on clinical characteristics, viral agents and disease outcome were collected. Nosocomial infection was excluded. Main outcomes were invasive mechanical ventilation and in-hospital death.

Results

A total of 984 patients were included. Median age was 75 years. Influenza A was the most frequently identified virus (56.5%), of which 27.1% were subtype H1N1 and 53.0% H3N2. Influenza B was isolated in 22.3% and RSV in 21.0%. There were 10.5% of patients who died during admission and 8.3% submitted to IMV. Influenza A H1N1 was associated with lower age and less co-morbidity, while the opposite was observed for RSV. Influenza A H1N1 was independently associated with both higher risk of death (adjusted odds ratio 2.0 [1.2–3.4] p = 0.008) and IMV (adjusted odds ratio 5.1 [3.0–8.5] p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Influenza A H1N1 was an independent predictor of mortality and IMV. These findings may have implications on hospital resource planning and vaccination policies.

Molecular epidemiology of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in Iranian military trainees with acute respiratory symptoms in 2017

Background and Objectives

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in many populations, including military recruits receiving basic training. Therefore, this study was set out to determine the molecular epidemiology, genotype and phylogenetic features of RSVs in patients with respiratory infection as a case study.

Materials and Methods

In this study, military barracks of Tehran, Iran, between January to March 2017 exposed to respiratory diseases were used for sampling. Throat swabs were taken, a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) assay was performed to identify RSV and then the genotyping and phylogenetic analyses of RSVs in patients with a respiratory infection.

Results

Among 400 Iranian military trainees with respiratory symptoms, RSV infection was identified in 2.75% (11/400) using RT-PCR. Sequencing showed the incidence of type A (2.5%, n=10) to be much higher than type B (0.25%, n=1); Sore throat was the most common symptom among RSV patients. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the majority of strains from the studied samples were more consistent with those from the Philippines and the US strains.

Conclusion

This study is the first to document RSV as a major cause of acute respiratory illness among military trainees in Iran. The prevalence of RSV is substantial in the cold season and the prevalence of genotype A is dominant in the country, leading to take essential steps in preparing a preventive vaccine against this viral infection.

Detection of influenza virus in air samples of patient rooms

BACKGROUND

Understanding the transmission and dispersal of influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) via aerosols is essential for the development of preventative measures in hospital environments and healthcare facilities.

METHODS

During the 2017-2018 influenza season, patients with confirmed influenza or RSV infections were enrolled. Room air samples were collected close (0.30 m) to and distant (2.20 m) from patients' heads. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect and quantify viral particles in the air samples. The plaque assay was used to determine the infectiousness of the detected viruses.

FINDINGS

Fifty-one air samples were collected from the rooms of 29 patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza; 51% of the samples tested positive for influenza A virus (IAV). Among the IAV-positive patients, 65% were emitters (had at least one positive air sample), reflecting a higher risk of nosocomial transmission compared with non-emitters. The majority (61.5%) of the IAV-positive air samples were collected 0.3 m from a patient's head, while the remaining IAV-positive air samples were collected 2.2 m from a patient's head. The positivity rate of IAV in air samples was influenced by distance from the patient's head and day of sample collection after hospital admission. Only three patients with RSV infection were recruited and none of them were emitters.

CONCLUSION

Influenza virus can be aerosolized beyond 1 m in patient rooms, which is the distance considered to be safe by infection control practices. Further investigations are needed to determine the extent of infectivity of aerosolized virus particles.

Performance of surveillance case definitions for respiratory syncytial virus infections through the sentinel influenza surveillance system, Portugal, 2010 to 2018

BackgroundWell-established influenza surveillance systems (ISS) can be used for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surveillance. In Portugal, RSV cases are detected through the ISS using the European Union (EU) influenza-like illness (ILI) case definition.AimTo investigate clinical predictors for RSV infection and how three case definitions (EU ILI, a modified EU acute respiratory infection, and one respiratory symptom) performed in detecting RSV infections in Portugal.MethodsThis observational retrospective study used epidemiological and laboratory surveillance data (October 2010-May 2018). Associations between clinical characteristics and RSV detection were analysed using logistic regression. Accuracy of case definitions was assessed through sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). A 0.05 significance level was accepted.ResultsThe study involved 6,523 persons, including 190 (2.9%) RSV cases. Among 183 cases with age information, RSV infection was significantly more frequent among individuals < 5 years (n = 23; 12.6%) and ≥ 65 years (n = 45; 24.6%) compared with other age groups (p < 0.0001). Cough (odds ratio (OR): 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-6.5) was the best RSV-infection predictor considering all age groups, while shortness of breath was particularly associated with RSV-positivity among ≤ 14 year olds (OR: 6.7; 95% CI: 2.6-17.4 for 0-4 year olds and OR: 6.7; 95% CI: 1.5-28.8 for 5-14 year olds). Systemic symptoms were significantly associated with RSV-negative and influenza-positive cases. None of the case definitions were suitable to detect RSV infections (AUC = 0.51).ConclusionTo avoid underestimating the RSV disease burden, RSV surveillance within the Portuguese sentinel ISS would require a more sensitive case definition than ILI and, even a different case definition according to age.

Use of the moving epidemic method (MEM) to assess national surveillance data for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the Netherlands, 2005 to 2017

Background

To control respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes acute respiratory infections, data and methods to assess its epidemiology are important.

Aim

We sought to describe RSV seasonality, affected age groups and RSV-type distribution over 12 consecutive seasons in the Netherlands, as well as to validate the moving epidemic method (MEM) for monitoring RSV epidemics.

Methods

We used 2005−17 laboratory surveillance data and sentinel data. For RSV seasonality evaluation, epidemic thresholds (i) at 1.2% of the cumulative number of RSV-positive patients per season and (ii) at 20 detections per week (for laboratory data) were employed. We also assessed MEM thresholds.

Results

In laboratory data RSV was reported 25,491 times (no denominator). In sentinel data 5.6% (767/13,577) of specimens tested RSV positive. Over 12 seasons, sentinel data showed percentage increases of RSV positive samples. The average epidemic length was 18.0 weeks (95% confidence intervals (CI):  16.3–19.7) and 16.5 weeks (95% CI: 14.0–18.0) for laboratory and sentinel data, respectively. Epidemics started on average in week 46 (95% CI: 45–48) and 47 (95% CI:  46–49), respectively. The peak was on average in the first week of January in both datasets. MEM showed similar results to the other methods. RSV incidence was highest in youngest (0–1 and >1–2 years) and oldest (>65–75 and > 75 years) age groups, with age distribution remaining stable over time. RSV-type dominance alternated every one or two seasons.

Conclusions

Our findings provide baseline information for immunisation advisory groups. The possibility of employing MEM to monitor RSV epidemics allows prospective, nearly real-time use of surveillance data.

Viruses and atypical bacteria in the respiratory tract of immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients with airway infection

Respiratory tract infections (RTI) can take a serious course under immunosuppression. Data on the impact of the underlying pathogens are still controversial. Samples from the upper (n = 322) and lower RT (n = 169) were collected from 136 children and 355 adults; 225 among them have been immunocompromised patients. Exclusion criteria were presence of relevant cultivable microorganisms, C-reactive protein > 20 mg/dl, or procalcitonin > 2.0 ng/ml. Samples were tested by PCR for the presence of herpesviruses (HSV-1/-2; VZV; CMV; HHV6; EBV), adenoviruses, bocaviruses, entero-/rhinoviruses (HRV), parechoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza viruses (IV), parainfluenza viruses as well as for pneumoviruses (HMPV and RSV), and atypical bacteria (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, M.p.; Chlamydia pneumoniae, C.p.). Viral/bacterial genome equivalents were detected in more than two-thirds of specimens. Under immunosuppression, herpesviruses (EBV 30.9%/14.6%, p < 0.001; CMV 19.6%/7.9%, p < 0.001; HSV-1: 14.2%/7.1%, p = 0.012) were frequently observed, mainly through their reactivation in adults. Immunocompromised adults tended to present a higher RSV prevalence (6.4%/2.4%, p = 0.078). Immunocompetent patients were more frequently tested positive for IV (15.0%/5.8%, p = 0.001) and M.p. (6.4%/0.4%, p < 0.001), probably biased due to the influenza pandemic of 2009 and an M.p. epidemic in 2011. About 41.8% of samples were positive for a single pathogen, and among them EBV (19.9%) was most prevalent followed by HRV (18.2%) and IV (16.6%). HSV-2 and C.p. were not found. Marked seasonal effects were observed for HRV, IV, and RSV. Differences in pathogen prevalence were demonstrated between immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. The exact contribution of some herpesviruses to the development of RTI remains unclear.

Respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus infection in adult primary care patients: Association of age with prevalence, diagnostic features and illness course

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RSV prevalence in patients age 75+ was twice the prevalence in those under 60.

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Influenza prevalence is not associated with age.

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Diagnostics are not associated with age for RSV and influenza.

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Illness course is associated with age for both RSV and influenza.

Objectives

To better target new vaccines and treatments being developed for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza virus (influenza), we studied the association of age with prevalence, diagnostic features and course of illness of these infections in primary care patients.

Methods

Secondary analysis of observational data on the aetiology, diagnosis and prognosis in adults presenting to primary care with acute cough in 12 European countries (2007–2010) using regression analyses corrected for clustering of patients within countries. Age groups were 18–59 years, 60–74 years, and 75 years and older (75+).

Results

Nasopharyngeal swabs for 144 (4.6%), 169 (5.4%) and 104 (3.4%) out of 3104 patients were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive for RSV, influenza A and influenza B, respectively. RSV prevalence in patients 75+ (8.5%) was twice the prevalence in those under 60 years (4.2%). Influenza prevalence was not associated with age. Diagnostic features for these viruses were not associated with age. Symptom duration was associated with age for RSV and influenza B, but not for influenza A. The odds of unresolved symptoms after 28 days were associated with age for RSV only. Illness deterioration was associated with age for RSV, with patients 75+ at increased risk, but not for influenza.

Conclusion

In adults presenting to primary care with acute cough, the diagnostic features of RSV or influenza infection are not associated with age. For RSV both the prevalence and illness course are significantly worse at higher age, for influenza only the illness course is.

The journey to a respiratory syncytial virus vaccine

OBJECTIVE

The high burden associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has made the development of RSV vaccine(s) a global health high priority. This review summarizes the journey to an RSV vaccine, the different strategies and challenges associated with the development of preventive strategies for RSV, and the diverse products that are undergoing clinical testing.

DATA SOURCES

Studies on RSV biology, immunology, epidemiology, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and vaccines were searched using MEDLINE. We also searched PATH.org and ClinicalTrials.gov for updated information regarding the status of RSV vaccines and mAbs undergoing clinical trials.

STUDY SELECTIONS

We selected relevant studies conducted in infants and young children, pregnant women, and elderly population for the prevention of RSV infection.

RESULTS

Identification of a safe and immunogenic vaccine has been an important but elusive initiative for more than 60 years for different reasons, including the legacy of formalin-inactivated vaccine, our limited understanding of the immune response to RSV and how it relates to clinical disease severity, or the need for different end points according to the different vaccine platforms. Nevertheless, there are currently 39 vaccines and mAbs under development and 19 undergoing clinical trials.

CONCLUSION

Over the past decade, there have been significant advances in our knowledge of RSV molecular and structural biology and in understanding the human immune response to RSV. Despite the barriers, there are several promising mAbs and RSV vaccines undergoing clinical trials that hope to offer protection to the most vulnerable populations.