Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 11, 2025
An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV Micro-neutralization Assay
Published on: January 26, 2019
Respiratory Virus Surveillance in Infants across Different Clinical Settings
Zaid Haddadin1, Danielle A Rankin2, Loren Lipworth3
1Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
Insights
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV) are common viral acute respiratory infections (ARI) in infants. RSV infection is linked to higher disease severity and hospitalization risk in infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Virology
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Acute respiratory infections (ARI) pose a significant health burden on infants.
- Understanding the distribution and clinical impact of common respiratory viruses is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the distribution, clinical presentations, and severity of common ARI viruses in infants across outpatient, emergency, and inpatient settings.
- To identify risk factors associated with severe outcomes like hospitalization.
Main Methods:
- A prospective virus surveillance study enrolled 366 infants under one year with respiratory symptoms.
- Nasal swabs were collected and tested for viruses using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
- Demographic and clinical data were gathered through interviews and medical record reviews.
Main Results:
- Rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV; 42%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; 34%), and influenza (15%) were the most common viruses detected.
- RSV was most frequent in inpatient/emergency settings, while RV/EV predominated in outpatient settings.
- RSV-positive infants had lower median age and higher respiratory distress; influenza-positive infants had higher median age and systemic symptoms.
- RSV infection and younger age were associated with increased hospitalization odds.
Conclusions:
- Viral ARI, particularly RSV, RV/EV, and influenza, significantly impacts infants across various clinical settings.
- RSV infection is associated with the highest disease severity among these common viral pathogens.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and management strategies for infant respiratory infections.
Objectives:
We aimed to evaluate the distribution, clinical presentations and severity of common acute respiratory infections (ARI) viruses in infants across 3 clinical settings.
Study Design:
In a prospective virus surveillance study, infants under 1 year with fever and/or respiratory symptoms were enrolled from outpatient, emergency department, and inpatient settings from December 16, 2019 through April 30, 2020. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected through parent/guardian interviews, medical chart abstractions, and follow-up surveys. Nasal swabs were collected and tested for viruses using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.
Results:
We enrolled 366 infants and tested nasal swabs on 360 (98%); median age was 6.3 months, 50% male. In total, 295 (82%) had at least 1 virus detected; rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV; 42%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; 34%), and influenza (15%) were the most common. RSV was the most frequently detected virus in the inpatient (63%) and emergency department (37%) settings, and RV/EV was most frequently detected virus in the outpatient setting (54%). RSV-positive infants had a lower median age (4.9 months) and were more likely to have respiratory distress, and RV/EV-positive infants were less likely to have respiratory distress. Influenza-positive infants had a higher median age (8 months) and were more likely to have systemic symptoms. RSV infection and younger age were associated with higher odds of hospitalization in multivariable logistic regression.
Conclusions:
Across 3 clinical settings, and combining virologic, patient, and health-system information, our results highlight the burden of viral ARI among infants. Overall, RSV, RV/EV, and influenza were most commonly detected, with RSV having the highest disease severity.
More Related Videos
09:01An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
05:31Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:31Common Respiratory Disorders
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-I
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
01:29Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
01:30Acute Respiratory Failure-III