The Global Epidemiology of RSV in Community and Hospitalized Care: Findings From 15 Countries
Lisa Staadegaard, Saverio Caini, Sonam Wangchuk, Binay Thapa, Walquíria Aparecida Ferreira de Almeida, Felipe Cotrim de Carvalho, Richard Njouom, Rodrigo Fasce, Patricia Bustos, Jan Kynčl, Ludmila Nováková, Alfredo Bruno, Domenica Joseth de Mora Coloma, Adam Meijer, Mariëtte Hooiveld, Q. Sue Huang, Tim Wood, Raquel Guiomar, Ana Paula Rodrigues, Daria Danilenko, K. A. Stolyarov, Vernon Jian Ming Lee, Li Wei Ang, Cheryl Cohen, Jocelyn Moyes, Amparo Larrauri, Concepción Delgado‐Sanz, Mai Quynh Le, Phuong Vu Mai Hoang, Clarisse Demont, Mathieu Bangert, Jojanneke van Summeren, Michel Dückers, John Paget
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of acute respiratory tract infections. To optimize control strategies, a better understanding of the global epidemiology of RSV is critical. To this end, we initiated the Global Epidemiology of RSV in Hospitalized and Community care study (GERi). METHODS: Focal points from 44 countries were approached to join GERi and share detailed RSV surveillance data. Countries completed a questionnaire on the characteristics of their surveillance system. RESULTS: Fifteen countries provided granular surveillance data and information on their surveillance system. A median (interquartile range) of 1641 (552-2415) RSV cases per season were reported from 2000 and 2020. The majority (55%) of RSV cases occurred in the <1-year-olds, with 8% of cases reported in those aged ≥65 years. Hospitalized cases were younger than those in community care. We found no age difference between RSV subtypes and no clear pattern of dominant subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: The high number of cases in the <1-year-olds indicates a need to focus prevention efforts in this group. The minimal differences between RSV subtypes and their co-circulation implies that prevention needs to target both subtypes. Importantly, there appears to be a lack of RSV surveillance data in the elderly.