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Updated: Jul 26, 2026

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Cost-effectiveness of respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis with palivizumab
Carole A Reeve1, John S Whitehall, Petra G Buettner
1Department of Neonatology, The Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
Background:
A monoclonal antibody, palivizumab, directed against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been shown to decrease hospitalisation rates. Because of its expense, the cost-effectiveness of this agent should be determined for high-risk groups.
Aim:
To determine characteristics of RSV infection in Townsville and the economic feasibility of palivizumab immunoprophylaxis in high-risk groups.
Methods:
Cases of RSV-positive bronchiolitis were retrospectively identified. Cases were grouped according to recognised risk factors. The hypothetical costs of palivizumab immunoprophylaxis for infants at risk were calculated.
Results:
The rate of hospitalisation with RSV-positive lower respiratory tract infection was 22 per 1000 live births but increased to 50 per 1000 among Indigenous babies born weighing <2500 g. The cost of preventing an admission in each of the identified high-risk groups, based on drug costs alone, ranged from AD 69,861 to AD 88,547.
Conclusion:
Palivizumab was not cost-effective in the prophylaxis of RSV in the high-risk group of infants tested here.
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