Epidemiology and subtype analysis of respiratory syncytial virus among hospitalized children under five in Isfahan during early 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Respiratory syncytial virus is the most common virus causing acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years old. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and circulating strains of RSV in hospitalized children in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: Between January and May 2024, children under 5 years of age were enrolled in this study. Nasal swabs were collected from 100 children with acute respiratory infections admitted to the referral pediatric ward at Imam Hossein Children's Hospital in Isfahan, Iran. The prevalence of circulating RSV was investigated using the RSV qPCR detection kit. The virus type was identified by RT-PCR using type A-and B-specific primers. Results: A total of 51 (51) samples tested positive for RSV. Among them, typing was done in 33 specimens, of which 66.6 (22/33 cases) were assigned as subtype B and 33.3 (11/33 cases) as subtype A. Infants under 6 months were most severely affected by RSV (47.1, 24/51). RSV-positive samples peaked in February (43.1), followed by January (29.4). Conclusion: The results of the current study revealed a high prevalence of RSV and co-circulation of subtypes A and B, with subtype B more prevalent among children. This highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance of RSV.