Severe RSV Infection Occurring at the End of Nirsevimab's Protection Window: A Case Report

Sebastiano Mazza1, Benedetta Ciccone1, Anna Maddalena D'Apolito1

  • 1Dipartimento Donna e Bambino, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Foggia, Foggia, Apulia, Italy.

PubMed

Insights

A five-month-old infant developed severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis despite nirsevimab prophylaxis. This case suggests potential waning immunity near the end of the 150-day protection window, emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is a significant cause of infant hospitalization.
  • Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody providing passive immunity against RSV.
  • Early-life immunization aims to protect vulnerable infants during their first RSV season.

Observation:

  • A late preterm infant received nirsevimab on day 3 of life.
  • 142 days later, the infant developed severe RSV-A bronchiolitis and human rhinovirus co-infection.
  • Hospitalization and high-flow nasal cannula support were required.

Findings:

  • The case occurred near the end of nirsevimab's 150-day protection period.
  • RSV-A and human rhinovirus co-infection were confirmed by PCR.
  • The infant recovered with supportive care.

Implications:

  • This case raises concerns about potential waning nirsevimab immunity in early-season immunized infants.
  • Human rhinovirus co-infection may exacerbate RSV disease severity.
  • Ongoing surveillance is crucial for optimizing nirsevimab immunization strategies in prolonged RSV seasons.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Respiratory Failure-II01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-II

Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
368
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer01:03

Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer

Rous Sarcoma virus or RSV was discovered by F. Peyton Rous in the year 1911 as a filterable transmissible agent that could cause tumors in chickens. He won a Nobel Prize for this discovery in 1966. His experiments clearly demonstrated that some cancers could be caused by infectious agents and led to the discovery of many more cancer-causing viruses in animals as well as humans.
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand  RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
5.4K
Acute Respiratory Failure-III01:30

Acute Respiratory Failure-III

Hypercapnic respiratory failure, also known as Type 2 or ventilatory respiratory failure, is a severe condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream. It leads to an arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) exceeding 45 mmHg and a blood pH above 7.35. This situation indicates that the body's ventilatory demand, or the ventilation needed to maintain normal PaCO2 levels, surpasses its supply or the maximum gas flow achievable without...
325
Acute Respiratory Failure-I01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-I

Acute respiratory failure is a condition characterized by the inability of the lungs to perform their primary function: gas exchange. This failure leads to insufficient oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in the blood, elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), or both, causing critical impairment in organ function.
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,...
334
Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

Acute Respiratory Failure-V

The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
209
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV01:23

Acute Respiratory Failure-IV

Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
231