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Updated: May 12, 2025
An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV Micro-neutralization Assay
Published on: January 26, 2019
RSV: an update on prevention and management
David A Foley1,2,3,4,5, Linny K Phuong1,2,3,4,5
1Department of Microbiology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Perth.
Insights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes common respiratory infections. New vaccines and monoclonal antibodies offer protection against severe RSV disease in infants and older adults.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a frequent cause of respiratory infections in infants, young children, and adults over 60.
- High-risk groups include premature infants, older adults (over 75), those with chronic conditions (cardiac, respiratory, obesity), and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Current RSV disease management is primarily supportive, with routine testing not recommended unless for high-risk or severely ill individuals, prioritizing influenza and COVID-19 testing due to available antivirals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.
- To highlight advancements in prevention and treatment strategies for RSV.
- To inform clinical practice regarding RSV testing and management, especially in high-risk populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in RSV prevention and treatment.
- Analysis of current guidelines for RSV testing and management.
- Summary of available prophylactic measures including vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
Main Results:
- Recent approvals include RSV vaccines and a long-acting monoclonal antibody, offering new ways to reduce severe RSV outcomes.
- Infant protection is achievable via maternal vaccination (28-36 weeks gestation) or post-delivery monoclonal antibody administration.
- Two RSV vaccines are approved for older adults; no RSV vaccines are currently approved for neonates or infants.
Conclusions:
- New prophylactic options, including maternal vaccination and monoclonal antibodies, significantly enhance protection against severe RSV in infants.
- Approved RSV vaccines provide a crucial preventive strategy for older adults.
- Ongoing research and development are vital for comprehensive RSV prevention and control across all age groups.
Abstract:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory tract infections in infants and young children, and adults over 60 years of age. Infants born prematurely, adults aged over 75 years, individuals with medical conditions such as chronic cardiac or respiratory disease, or obesity, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at increased risk of severe RSV disease. As the management of RSV disease is mainly supportive, routine testing for RSV in people with a respiratory illness is not recommended. In high-risk populations and individuals presenting with severe illness, respiratory virus testing should prioritise influenza and COVID-19, as there are specific antiviral drugs for these diseases. Recent approval of RSV vaccines and a new long-acting RSV monoclonal antibody has created opportunities to minimise adverse outcomes associated with RSV infection. Protection against severe RSV disease in infants can be achieved through vaccination of their mother between weeks 28 and 36 of pregnancy, or by administering an RSV monoclonal antibody after delivery. There is currently no RSV vaccine approved for neonates or infants. For older adults, at the time of writing there are 2 approved RSV vaccines available.
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