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An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Micro-neutralization Assay
Published on: January 26, 2019
Impact of respiratory syncytial virus in the United States
1Critical Care Systems, Inc., 705 F Lakeview Plaza Blvd., Worthington, OH 43085, USA. rrobinson@criticalcaresystems.com
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes common childhood infections, leading to significant hospitalizations and long-term respiratory issues. This virus remains a leading cause of infant viral deaths despite decreased mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a prevalent respiratory pathogen in infants and young children.
- Nearly all children experience RSV infection by age two.
- RSV is a primary cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the impact of RSV infection on infants and young children.
- To highlight the disease burden, complications, and economic impact of RSV.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of RSV epidemiology and clinical impact.
- Analysis of hospitalization data and associated costs.
- Review of long-term respiratory sequelae in affected children.
Main Results:
- RSV is the leading cause of viral lower respiratory tract infections in children under one.
- RSV accounts for 75,000-125,000 US hospitalizations annually.
- Hospitalized infants face increased risks of childhood asthma and wheezing.
Conclusions:
- RSV infection imposes a substantial disease and economic burden on young children.
- RSV is the primary cause of viral deaths in infants.
- Despite reduced mortality, RSV remains a critical public health concern for pediatric respiratory health.
Purpose:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is most common in infants and young children, with almost all children experiencing at least one infection by their second birthday.
Summary:
RSV is the leading cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children, and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than one year of age. Since infection with RSV does not result in permanent immunity, repeat infections are common, often occurring during the same RSV season. RSV bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in children younger than age one, and this virus is associated with approximately 75,000 to 125,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States. Children hospitalized for RSV bronchiolitis during the first year of life are at an increased risk of respiratory problems, such as wheezing and allergic asthma, throughout childhood and into adolescence. RSV-related mortality has decreased over the last 20 years; however, RSV is still the leading cause of viral deaths in infants.
Conclusion:
RSV infection is associated with significant disease burden in infants and young children in terms of hospitalization, related complications, and even mortality. The economic burden resulting from RSV disease is also substantial, with significantly higher costs seen in children with risk factors for severe disease and RSV-related complications.
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