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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection | Research

Pre-COVID-19-pandemic RSV epidemiology and clinical burden in pediatric primary care in Italy: a comparative analysis across two regions for the 2019/2020 season

Authors: Elisabetta Pandolfi, Daniela Loconsole, Maria Chironna, Jojanneke van Summeren, John Paget, Massimiliano Raponi, Luisa Russo, Ilaria Campagna, Ileana Croci, Carlo Concato, Carlo Federico Perno, Alberto Eugenio Tozzi, Giulia Linardos, Veronica Bartolucci, Sara Ciampini, Andrea Onetti Muda, Luigi De Angelis, Marta Luisa Ciofi Degli Atti, Caterina Rizzo

Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children under 5 years have a significant clinical burden, also in primary care settings. This study investigates the epidemiology and burden of RSV in Italian children during the 2019/20 pre-pandemic winter season.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in two Italian regions. Children with Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) visiting pediatricians were eligible. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected and analyzed via multiplex PCR for RSV detection. A follow-up questionnaire after 14 days assessed disease burden, encompassing healthcare utilization and illness duration. Statistical analyses, including regression models, explored associations between variables such as RSV subtype and regional variations.

Results

Of 293 children with ARI, 41% (119) tested positive for RSV. Median illness duration for RSV-positive cases was 7 days; 6% required hospitalization (median stay: 7 days). Medication was prescribed to 95% (110/116) of RSV cases, with 31% (34/116) receiving antibiotics. RSV subtype B and regional factors predicted increased healthcare utilization. Children with shortness of breath experienced a 36% longer illness duration.

Conclusions

This study highlights a significant clinical burden and healthcare utilization associated with RSV in pre-pandemic Italian primary care settings. Identified predictors, including RSV subtype and symptomatology, indicate the need for targeted interventions and resource allocation strategies. RSV epidemiology can guide public health strategies for the implementation of preventive measures.

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Title: Pre-COVID-19-pandemic RSV epidemiology and clinical burden in pediatric primary care in Italy: a comparative analysis across two regions for the 2019/2020 season
Authors: Elisabetta Pandolfi
Daniela Loconsole
Maria Chironna
Jojanneke van Summeren
John Paget
Massimiliano Raponi
Luisa Russo
Ilaria Campagna
Ileana Croci
Carlo Concato
Carlo Federico Perno
Alberto Eugenio Tozzi
Giulia Linardos
Veronica Bartolucci
Sara Ciampini
Andrea Onetti Muda
Luigi De Angelis
Marta Luisa Ciofi Degli Atti
Caterina Rizzo
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2334
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-024-09229-9

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