Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 13, 2026

An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV Micro-neutralization Assay
09:14

An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV Micro-neutralization Assay

Published on: January 26, 2019

11.4K

Reduced Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations in Infants after Universal Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Simone Villa, Simona Scarioni, Enrico Pigozzi

    Emerging Infectious Diseases
    |January 7, 2026
    PubMed

    Insights

    Universal nirsevimab immunization significantly reduced respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations and emergency visits in infants. This campaign effectively lowered the burden of severe RSV infections among young children.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses a significant health burden on infants.
    • Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody developed for RSV prevention.
    • Universal immunization strategies aim to maximize population-level protection.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the effectiveness of a universal nirsevimab immunization campaign.
    • To assess the impact on emergency department visits and hospitalizations for RSV and lower respiratory tract infections in infants.
    • To compare outcomes in immunized infants with unvaccinated older children.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized regional syndromic surveillance data for emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
    • Employed interrupted time series analysis to estimate the expected disease burden based on historical trends.
    • Compared outcomes in infants (<12 months) receiving nirsevimab with a control group of children aged 1-5 years.

    Main Results:

    • Infants experienced a 42.7% decrease in emergency visits and a 46.5% decrease in hospitalizations for acute lower respiratory tract infections.
    • RSV-specific emergency visits decreased by 49.3% and hospitalizations by 55.0% among infants.
    • No significant reductions in respiratory illness were observed in the unvaccinated 1-5 year old comparison group, indicating continued RSV circulation.

    Conclusions:

    • Universal nirsevimab immunization is highly effective in reducing severe RSV-related outcomes in infants.
    • The findings support the implementation of widespread nirsevimab use for infant protection against RSV.
    • Nirsevimab represents a valuable tool in public health strategies for controlling RSV disease burden.

    Keywords:
    Italyimmunizationrespiratory infectionsrespiratory syncytial virusrespiratory virusessurveillancesyndromic surveillanceviruses

    More Related Videos

    An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection09:01

    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

    8.3K
    Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses11:48

    Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses

    Published on: April 4, 2019

    17.0K

    Related Concept Videos

    Vaccinations01:51

    Vaccinations

    Overview
    51.2K
    Common Respiratory Disorders01:31

    Common Respiratory Disorders

    Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
    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,...
    1.3K
    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:
    1.0K
    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,...
    821
    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...
    448
    Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

    Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

    Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
    The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
    3.6K