The European Union has approved vaccines for pregnant women and monoclonal antibodies to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among young children. New sequencing tools have also been developed to track the genetic diversity of RSV and inform vaccine effectiveness and treatment strategies.
A new study has identified 16 major risk factors for severe RSV infection in children under one year of age. The researchers created a clinical prediction model that performed well in both Finland and Sweden, highlighting the need for targeted prevention measures for high-risk infants.
A substantial burden of RSV-associated hospitalizations was found in Canadian pediatric hospitals, especially among infants under six months. The study suggests that preventive strategies for these young infants could lead to decreased RSV disease burden in children.
A new study using wastewater surveillance has predicted the start of the annual RSV season 12 days early, allowing hospitals to prepare and allocate resources effectively. The study used real-time wastewater measurements to forecast the surge in pediatric RSV cases, providing a population-level early warning signal for the community.
A new University of Michigan poll suggests that nearly half of older adults do not know about the new RSV vaccines, while some groups show much less interest in getting the vaccine. The virus poses a significant risk to older adults with lung or immune system conditions, and those who live in nursing homes.
Most U.S. infants requiring intensive care for RSV lower respiratory tract infections were young and healthy, born at term. RSV preventive measures targeting all infants are urgently needed to reduce severe illness burden.
A study found that pediatric hospitalizations for RSV in high-risk children spiked during off-seasons due to delayed prophylactic availability. The researchers emphasize the need for a more fluid policy to protect these vulnerable kids.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that human T cells can independently control RSV replication in lung tissue, suggesting a new approach to developing vaccines. The study's findings support the development of RSV vaccines that elicit effective T cell responses to improve vaccine efficacy.
A new immunotherapy treatment developed by UCF researchers uses targeted IL-2 to fight respiratory viral infections with improved outcomes in animal studies. The treatment promotes an antiviral inflammatory response and reduces bronchial inflammation.
A recent study found an unusual peak in RSV hospital admissions in the third quarter of 2021, nearly doubling typical annual numbers. The surge in cases was unexpected, with low hospitalizations reported in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers explore challenges and propose next-generation vaccine strategies for mucosa-replicating viruses, which evade full immune response due to short incubation periods and nasal mucosa replication. To overcome immune tolerance, significant knowledge gaps must be filled on ideal vaccine formulations, dosage, and techniques.
A new vaccine formulation has protected newborn mice against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and evoked strong responses in human immune cells. The vaccine uses an adjuvant combination that stimulates type 1 T-helper responses, which are hard to stimulate in newborns but are needed for a strong defense against viral pathogens.
Researchers at Georgia State University have identified an oral antiviral drug, AVG-388, that effectively blocks RSV's RNA polymerase, a key target for replication. The study demonstrates potent antiviral activity in animal models and human airway epithelium organoid cultures.
The American College of Chest Physicians' flagship journal CHEST published its June issue featuring 58 articles on various chest medicine topics, including asthma and COPD. The journal is set to expand with two new open-access journals, CHEST Pulmonary and CHEST Critical Care.
A study found that COVID-19 disrupted RSV's seasonal pattern, leading to a 'collapse' of existing strains and emergence of new ones. The pandemic also accelerated the spread and evolution of other viruses like influenza.
Researchers have discovered that short-chain fatty acid acetate from the gut microbiota can minimize the effects of infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and mitigate its severity. The compound was found to activate antiviral molecules, such as RIG-I, which are effective against RSV, leading to a 88% reduction in viral load.
A new study estimates that RSV-attributable acute lower respiratory infection was responsible for over 100,000 deaths worldwide in children under five in 2019. The study found that infants under six months old are particularly vulnerable to RSV and account for one in five of the total global cases.
A study found that maternal immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can reduce antimicrobial prescribing among young infants. The research, based on a blinded, multi-country trial, showed that infants of mothers assigned the RSV F vaccine experienced fewer antimicrobial prescription courses over the first 90 days of life.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz confirm their bioengineered RSV protein vaccine stimulates a stronger antibody response than the native G protein. The engineered protein is recognized by human RSV-fighting antibodies and may lead to an effective vaccine for severe respiratory disease in children and the elderly.
A single dose of nirsevimab protected healthy infants from medically attended lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV with 74.5% efficacy. This breakthrough results suggest a broad immunization approach is needed to mitigate the global burden of RSV on infants and healthcare services.
A new study has found that azithromycin does not prevent future recurrent wheezing among infants hospitalized with RSV. The antibiotic was tested in a large clinical trial involving 200 infants, and results showed that it may actually increase the risk of wheezing.
A recent study published in NEJM Evidence found that azithromycin use during severe RSV bronchiolitis does not prevent subsequent wheezing episodes and may even increase the risk. The study recommends against antibiotics during acute RSV bronchiolitis due to its lack of effect on the acute illness.
A new BU study found that nearly one in ten infant deaths under 6 months old were caused by RSV, with two-thirds occurring outside of hospitals. The virus was primarily concentrated in infants under 3 months old, and preventative measures such as maternal vaccinations could effectively reduce mortality rates.
A study published in MBio found that removing the NS2 protein from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) allows the human body's immune response to destroy the virus before exaggerated inflammation begins. This discovery could lead to new therapeutics targeting this protein for other respiratory viruses like influenza A and SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers identified a clear-cut seasonal pattern in respiratory viruses, with peaks in January and lows in June, affecting hospital admissions. The study found that babies born in severe peak years were more likely to be infected and hospitalized, highlighting the importance of planning ahead for high seasons of illnesses.
A recent study published in eLife reveals that the shape of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) plays a crucial role in determining infection outcomes. Researchers found that RSV viruses change from long, rod-shaped particles to more rounded ones during infection, which affects the activation of complement proteins by the immune system.
Researchers discovered that RSV's NS1 protein alters immune gene expression to evade the immune response. The study provides crucial data for targeting NS1 in drug or vaccine development and may shed light on the link between RSV and asthma.
Researchers developed Nanobodies targeting RSV's fusion protein, neutralizing the virus and providing anti-viral activity in laboratory assays and animal models. The approach holds promise for developing a new therapy against RSV, a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children.
A €29 million research grant will be used to investigate serious lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), particularly affecting babies and older adults. The project aims to gather robust statistics on RSV cases across Europe, assess economic impact, and develop best practice guidelines for monitoring and treatment.
MedImmune will present three abstracts at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition, including cost-effectiveness data for palivizumab prophylaxis among preterm infants. The company's surveillance program aims to track RSV activity nationwide and inform improved prevention guidelines.