{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus infection during COVID-19 pandemic in Pune, India.
{Author}: Bhardwaj S;Choudhary ML;Chadha MS;Kinikar A;Bavdekar A;Gujar N;Dcosta P;Kulkarni R;Bafna S;Salvi S;Padbidri V;Potdar V;
{Journal}: BMC Infect Dis
{Volume}: 24
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Jun 14
{Factor}: 3.667
{DOI}: 10.1186/s12879-024-09426-6
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory infection in children worldwide. Understanding its prevalence, variations, and characteristics is vital, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>The study aimed to investigate the RSV positivity rate, subtype prevalence, age and gender distribution, symptomatology, and co-infection rates during pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We analyzed data from 15,381 patients tested for RSV between 2017 and 2023.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Our analysis revealed a 7.2% average RSV positivity rate in the pre-pandemic period, with significant fluctuations during the pandemic (1.5% in 2020 to 32.0% in 2021). We observed variations in RSVA and RSVB detection rates. The 0-4 years' age group was consistently the most affected, with a slight male predominance. Fever and cough were common symptoms. Therapeutic interventions, particularly antiviral usage and ventilation requirements, decreased during the pandemic. We also identified variations in co-infection rates with other respiratory viruses.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Our study offers critical insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on RSV prevalence, subtype distribution, patient characteristics, and clinical management. These findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and adaptive public health responses.