Abstract

DANGOR, Z; MADHI, S A; ZAR, H J  and  DEMOPOULOS, D. The dawn of preventing respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infections in children. SAMJ, S. Afr. med. j. [online]. 2024, vol.114, n.10, pp.1-4. ISSN 2078-5135.  https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2024.v114i12.2582.

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.

Keywords : Respiratory syncytial virus; RSV; children; pneumonia; bronchiolitis; nirsevimab; maternal vaccine.

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