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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
09:01
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
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Transmission in Closed Community Settings That Include Children: A Systematic Review and
Gemma L Saravanos1,2, Mari Takashima3,4, Asmaa El-Heneidy4
1Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) transmission is significant in community settings like households and childcare. This review highlights substantial RSV secondary attack rates (SAR) in children, emphasizing the need for more research in early childhood education centers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a primary cause of severe pediatric respiratory illness.
- RSV transmission predominantly occurs in community settings, including households and early childhood education centers.
- Understanding RSV transmission dynamics in closed community settings is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize evidence on RSV transmission within closed community settings involving children.
- To focus on quantifying secondary attack rates (SAR) of RSV in these settings.
- To identify research gaps and inform future prevention and control efforts.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review adhering to Cochrane guidelines was conducted.
- Searches included major databases (Medline, Embase, Global Health, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus) and grey literature up to March 2025.
- Included studies reported primary data on RSV SAR or attack rates in settings with children under 18, with meta-analysis performed for SAR and attack rates.
Main Results:
- 38 articles from 30 unique study populations (1956-2023, 12 countries) were included.
- Settings comprised households (n=19), early childhood education and care (n=6), and residential care (n=5).
- Pooled household SAR was 23.8% (all ages) and 26.8% (children <5 years); pooled outbreak attack rate in childcare/residential care was 59.2%.
Conclusions:
- RSV transmission risk in closed community settings with children is substantial.
- Current evidence is limited, with significant heterogeneity across studies.
- Well-designed transmission studies, especially in early childhood education settings, are essential for improved disease prevention and modeling.
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