Resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus infection during COVID-19 pandemic in Pune, India
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Published:2024-06-14
Issue:1
Volume:24
Page:
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ISSN:1471-2334
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Container-title:BMC Infectious Diseases
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language:en
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Short-container-title:BMC Infect Dis
Author:
Bhardwaj Sumit,Choudhary Manohar Lal,Chadha Mandeep S,Kinikar Aarti,Bavdekar Ashish,Gujar Nilesh,dcosta Pradeep,Kulkarni Rajesh,Bafna Sanjay,Salvi Sonali,Padbidri Vikram,Potdar Varsha
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory infection in children worldwide. Understanding its prevalence, variations, and characteristics is vital, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Objective
The study aimed to investigate the RSV positivity rate, subtype prevalence, age and gender distribution, symptomatology, and co-infection rates during pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.
Methods
We analyzed data from 15,381 patients tested for RSV between 2017 and 2023.
Results
Our analysis revealed a 7.2% average RSV positivity rate in the pre-pandemic period, with significant fluctuations during the pandemic (1.5% in 2020 to 32.0% in 2021). We observed variations in RSVA and RSVB detection rates. The 0–4 years’ age group was consistently the most affected, with a slight male predominance. Fever and cough were common symptoms. Therapeutic interventions, particularly antiviral usage and ventilation requirements, decreased during the pandemic. We also identified variations in co-infection rates with other respiratory viruses.
Conclusion
Our study offers critical insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on RSV prevalence, subtype distribution, patient characteristics, and clinical management. These findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and adaptive public health responses.
Funder
ICMR- National Institute of Virology
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
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