The dawn of preventing respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infections in children

Authors

  • Z Dangor South African Medical Research Council Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • S A Madhi South African Medical Research Council Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • H Zar Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, and South African Medical Research Council Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
  • D Demopoulos Department of Critical Care, Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2024.v114i12.2582

Keywords:

RSV, LRTI, Children, Infant

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the commonest cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children, particularly those aged <1 year. In South Africa (SA), increased hospitalisation rates during the RSV season, including access to intensive care facilities, place a huge burden on the healthcare system. Furthermore, RSV-LRTI during early childhood may lead to long-term respiratory sequelae, including recurrent wheezing, asthma, and impairment of lung function. Recently, two new RSV prevention strategies have emerged: nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, and a maternal RSV vaccine. Both strategies have shown high efficacy in reducing RSV-LRTI hospitalisation in infants and are being considered for licensure in SA. Implementation of these prevention strategies, combined with public engagement and collaboration between stakeholders, could significantly reduce RSV-related morbidity and mortality in SA.

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Published

2024-11-29

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Section

In Practice

How to Cite

1.
Dangor Z, Madhi SA, Zar H, Demopoulos D. The dawn of preventing respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infections in children. S Afr Med J [Internet]. 2024 Nov. 29 [cited 2024 Dec. 10];114(12):e2582. Available from: https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/article/view/2582

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