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Shan S, Zhang W, Gao H, Huang PY, Du Z, Bai Y, Lau YC, Chen D, Lau EHY, Nealon J, Wu P. Global Seasonal Activities of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Before the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae238. [PMID: 38770210 PMCID: PMC11103620 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Varied seasonal patterns of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been reported worldwide. We conducted a systematic review on articles identified in PubMed reporting RSV seasonality based on data collected before 1 January 2020. RSV seasonal patterns were examined by geographic location, calendar month, analytic method, and meteorological factors including temperature and absolute humidity. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between RSV seasonality and study methods and characteristics of study locations. RSV seasons were reported in 209 articles published in 1973-2023 for 317 locations in 77 countries. Regular RSV seasons were similarly reported in countries in temperate regions, with highly variable seasons identified in subtropical and tropical countries. Longer durations of RSV seasons were associated with a higher daily average mean temperature and daily average mean absolute humidity. The global seasonal patterns of RSV provided important information for optimizing interventions against RSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songwei Shan
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Weixin Zhang
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Huizhi Gao
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Pei-Yu Huang
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Zhanwei Du
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yuan Bai
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yiu-Chung Lau
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Dongxuan Chen
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Eric H Y Lau
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Joshua Nealon
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Peng Wu
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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Cohen C, Zar HJ. Early life respiratory syncytial virus disease-a preventable burden. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024:S1473-3099(24)00261-5. [PMID: 38701821 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00261-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Cohen
- Centre for Respiratory Disease and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health and SA-MRC Unit on Child & Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Kyaw MH, Spinardi JR, Jagun O, Franco Villalobos C, Kapetanakis V, Sharf-Williams R, Yarnoff B. Descriptive analysis to assess seasonal patterns of COVID-19 and influenza in low-income and middle-income countries in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081019. [PMID: 38296298 PMCID: PMC10831443 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Understanding disease seasonality can help predict the occurrence of outbreaks and inform public health planning. Respiratory diseases typically follow seasonal patterns; however, knowledge regarding the seasonality of COVID-19 and its impact on the seasonality of influenza remains limited. The objective of this study was to provide more evidence to understand the circulation of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, in an endemic scenario to guide potential preventive strategies. DESIGN In this study, a descriptive analysis was undertaken to describe seasonality trends and/or overlap between COVID-19 and influenza in 12 low-income and middle-income countries using Our World in Data and FluMart data sources. Plots of COVID-19 and influenza cases were analysed. SETTING Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. OUTCOME MEASURES COVID-19 cases and influenza cases. RESULTS No seasonal patterns of SARS-CoV-2 or SARS-CoV-2/influenza cocirculation were observed in most countries, even when considering the avian influenza pandemic period. CONCLUSIONS These results can inform public health strategies. The lack of observed seasonal behaviour highlights the importance of maintaining year-round vaccination rather than implementing seasonal campaigns. Further research investigating the influence of climate conditions, social behaviour and year-round preventive measures could be fundamental for shaping appropriate policies related to COVID-19 and respiratory viral disease control in low-income and middle-income countries as COVID-19 variant data and epidemiologic patterns accrue over time.
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Fleming JA, Baral R, Higgins D, Khan S, Kochar S, Li Y, Ortiz JR, Cherian T, Feikin D, Jit M, Karron RA, Limaye RJ, Marshall C, Munywoki PK, Nair H, Newhouse LC, Nyawanda BO, Pecenka C, Regan K, Srikantiah P, Wittenauer R, Zar HJ, Sparrow E. Value profile for respiratory syncytial virus vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. Vaccine 2023; 41 Suppl 2:S7-S40. [PMID: 37422378 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.09.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the predominant cause of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in young children worldwide, yet no licensed RSV vaccine exists to help prevent the millions of illnesses and hospitalizations and tens of thousands of young lives taken each year. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) prophylaxis exists for prevention of RSV in a small subset of very high-risk infants and young children, but the only currently licensed product is impractical, requiring multiple doses and expensive for the low-income settings where the RSV disease burden is greatest. A robust candidate pipeline exists to one day prevent RSV disease in infant and pediatric populations, and it focuses on two promising passive immunization approaches appropriate for low-income contexts: maternal RSV vaccines and long-acting infant mAbs. Licensure of one or more candidates is feasible over the next one to three years and, depending on final product characteristics, current economic models suggest both approaches are likely to be cost-effective. Strong coordination between maternal and child health programs and the Expanded Program on Immunization will be needed for effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of either intervention. This 'Vaccine Value Profile' (VVP) for RSV is intended to provide a high-level, holistic assessment of the information and data that are currently available to inform the potential public health, economic and societal value of pipeline vaccines and vaccine-like products. This VVP was developed by a working group of subject matter experts from academia, non-profit organizations, public private partnerships and multi-lateral organizations, and in collaboration with stakeholders from the WHO headquarters. All contributors have extensive expertise on various elements of the RSV VVP and collectively aimed to identify current research and knowledge gaps. The VVP was developed using only existing and publicly available information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Fleming
- Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access, PATH, 2201 Westlake Ave Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98121, United States.
| | - Ranju Baral
- Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access, PATH, 2201 Westlake Ave Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98121, United States.
| | - Deborah Higgins
- Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access, PATH, 2201 Westlake Ave Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98121, United States.
| | - Sadaf Khan
- Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition, PATH, 2201 Westlake Ave Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98121, United States.
| | - Sonali Kochar
- Global Healthcare Consulting and Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Hans Rosling Center, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States.
| | - You Li
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 211166, PR China.
| | - Justin R Ortiz
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-1509, United States.
| | - Thomas Cherian
- MMGH Consulting GmbH, Kuerbergstrasse 1, 8049 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Daniel Feikin
- Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland.
| | - Mark Jit
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London, Keppel St, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.
| | - Ruth A Karron
- Center for Immunization Research, Johns Hopkins University, Department of International Health, 624 N. Broadway, Rm 117, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
| | - Rupali J Limaye
- International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
| | - Caroline Marshall
- Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland.
| | - Patrick K Munywoki
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, KEMRI Complex, Mbagathi Road off Mbagathi Way, PO Box 606-00621, Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Harish Nair
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, United Kingdom.
| | - Lauren C Newhouse
- Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access, PATH, 2201 Westlake Ave Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98121, United States.
| | - Bryan O Nyawanda
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Hospital Road, P.O. Box 1357, Kericho, Kenya.
| | - Clint Pecenka
- Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access, PATH, 2201 Westlake Ave Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98121, United States.
| | - Katie Regan
- Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access, PATH, 2201 Westlake Ave Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98121, United States.
| | - Padmini Srikantiah
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 500 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States.
| | - Rachel Wittenauer
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Health Sciences Building, 1956 NE Pacific St H362, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health and SA-MRC Unit on Child & Adolescent Health, Red Cross Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Klipfontein Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700, South Africa.
| | - Erin Sparrow
- Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland.
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Mercier E, Pisharody L, Guy F, Wan S, Hegazy N, D’Aoust PM, Kabir MP, Nguyen TB, Eid W, Harvey B, Rodenburg E, Rutherford C, Mackenzie AE, Willmore J, Hui C, Paes B, Delatolla R, Thampi N. Wastewater-based surveillance identifies start to the pediatric respiratory syncytial virus season in two cities in Ontario, Canada. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1261165. [PMID: 37829087 PMCID: PMC10566629 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1261165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Detection of community respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections informs the timing of immunoprophylaxis programs and hospital preparedness for surging pediatric volumes. In many jurisdictions, this relies upon RSV clinical test positivity and hospitalization (RSVH) trends, which are lagging indicators. Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) may be a novel strategy to accurately identify the start of the RSV season and guide immunoprophylaxis administration and hospital preparedness. Methods We compared citywide wastewater samples and pediatric RSVH in Ottawa and Hamilton between August 1, 2022, and March 5, 2023. 24-h composite wastewater samples were collected daily and 5 days a week at the wastewater treatment facilities in Ottawa and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, respectively. RSV WBS samples were analyzed in real-time for RSV by RT-qPCR. Results RSV WBS measurements in both Ottawa and Hamilton showed a lead time of 12 days when comparing the WBS data set to pediatric RSVH data set (Spearman's ρ = 0.90). WBS identify early RSV community transmission and declared the start of the RSV season 36 and 12 days in advance of the provincial RSV season start (October 31) for the city of Ottawa and Hamilton, respectively. The differing RSV start dates in the two cities is likely associated with geographical and regional variation in the incidence of RSV between the cities. Discussion Quantifying RSV in municipal wastewater forecasted a 12-day lead time of the pediatric RSVH surge and an earlier season start date compared to the provincial start date. These findings suggest an important role for RSV WBS to inform regional health system preparedness, reduce RSV burden, and understand variations in community-related illness as novel RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Mercier
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lakshmi Pisharody
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Fiona Guy
- Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Shen Wan
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nada Hegazy
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick M. D’Aoust
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Md Pervez Kabir
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tram Bich Nguyen
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Walaa Eid
- Research Institute, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bart Harvey
- Hamilton Public Health Services, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Alex E. Mackenzie
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Charles Hui
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bosco Paes
- Department of Pediatrics (Neonatal Division), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Delatolla
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nisha Thampi
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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6
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Baldassarre ME, Loconsole D, Centrone F, Caselli D, Martire B, Quartulli L, Acquafredda A, D'Amato G, Maffei G, Latorre G, Riganti A, Di Noia M, Chironna M, Laforgia N. Hospitalization for bronchiolitis in children aged ≤ 1year, Southern Italy, year 2021: need for new preventive strategies? Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:66. [PMID: 37280662 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01455-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchiolitis is a major cause of hospitalization in infants, particularly in the first six months of life, with approximately 60-80% of admissions due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Currently, no prophylactic options are available for healthy infants. The present study aimed at describing the demographic, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics of infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis in the Apulia region of Italy in 2021. METHODS From January to December 2021, data on children aged 0-12 months admitted for bronchiolitis in nine neonatal or pediatric units covering 61% of pediatric beds of hospitals in the Apulia region of Italy were analyzed. Demographic data, comorbidities, need for oxygen support, length of hospital stay, palivizumab administration, and outcomes were collected. For the purpose of the analysis, patients were divided into those aged 0-3 months and > 3 months. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to explore associations between the need for oxygen support and sex, age, comorbidities, history of prematurity, length of hospital stay, and palivizumab administration. RESULTS This study included 349 children aged 0-12 months admitted for bronchiolitis, with a peak of hospitalization in November (7.4 cases/1,000 children). Of these patients, 70.5% were RSV positive, 80.2% were aged 0-3 months, and 73.1% required oxygen support. Moreover, 34.9% required observation in the sub-intensive care unit, and 12.9% in the intensive care unit. Of the infants who required intensive care, 96.9% were aged 0-3 months and 78.8% were born at term. Three patients required mechanical ventilation and one, who required Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation, died. Children aged 0-3 months were more likely to show dyspnea, need oxygen support, and have a longer hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS The present study showed that almost all of the children who required intensive care support were aged ≤ 3 months and most were born at term. Therefore, this age group remains the highest risk group for severe bronchiolitis. Preventive measures such as single-dose monoclonal antibody immunoprophylaxis, and maternal and childhood vaccination against RSV, may reduce the high public health burden of bronchiolitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre
- Unit of Neonatology and Intensive Care, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Daniela Loconsole
- Hygiene Section, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Francesca Centrone
- Hygiene Section, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Desiree Caselli
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Giovanni XXIII Children Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Baldassarre Martire
- Unit of Pediatrics and Neonatology, "Monsignor Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta, BT, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Acquafredda
- Unit of Pediatrics and Neonatology, "G. Tatarella" Hospital, Cerignola, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Gianfranco Maffei
- Neonatology and Intensive Care Unit, "Ospedali Riuniti" Hospital, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Latorre
- Neonatology and Intensive Care Unit, "Miulli" Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
| | - Anita Riganti
- Neonatology Unit, "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Maria Chironna
- Hygiene Section, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University, Bari, 70124, Italy.
| | - Nicola Laforgia
- Unit of Neonatology and Intensive Care, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University, Bari, 70124, Italy
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Staadegaard L, Del Riccio M, Wiegersma S, El Guerche‐Séblain C, Dueger E, Akçay M, Casalegno J, Dückers M, Caini S, Paget J. The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on global influenza surveillance: Insights from 18 National Influenza Centers based on a survey conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2023; 17:e13140. [PMID: 37180840 PMCID: PMC10173050 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background National Influenza Centers (NICs) have played a crucial role in the surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. The FluCov project, covering 22 countries, was initiated to monitor the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on influenza activity. Methods This project consisted of an epidemiological bulletin and NIC survey. The survey, designed to assess the impact of the pandemic on the influenza surveillance system, was shared with 36 NICs located across 22 countries. NICs were invited to reply between November 2021 and March 2022. Results We received 18 responses from NICs in 14 countries. Most NICs (76%) indicated that the number of samples tested for influenza decreased. Yet, many NICs (60%) were able to increase their laboratory testing capacity and the "robustness" (e.g., number of sentinel sites) (59%) of their surveillance systems. In addition, sample sources (e.g., hospital or outpatient setting) shifted. All NICs reported a higher burden of work following the onset of the pandemic, with some NICs hiring additional staff or partial outsourcing to other institutes or departments. Many NICs anticipate the future integration of SARS-CoV-2 surveillance into the existing respiratory surveillance system. Discussion The survey shows the profound impact of SARS-CoV-2 on national influenza surveillance in the first 27 months of the pandemic. Surveillance activities were temporarily disrupted, whilst priority was given to SARS-CoV-2. However, most NICs have shown rapid adaptive capacity underlining the importance of strong national influenza surveillance systems. These developments have the potential to benefit global respiratory surveillance in the years to come; however, questions about sustainability remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Staadegaard
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel)UtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Marco Del Riccio
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel)UtrechtThe Netherlands
- Postgraduate Medical School in Public HealthUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Sytske Wiegersma
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel)UtrechtThe Netherlands
| | | | - Erica Dueger
- Sanofi, Global Medical Influenza FranchiseLyonFrance
| | - Meral Akçay
- Sanofi, Global Medical Influenza FranchiseLyonFrance
| | - Jean‐Sebastien Casalegno
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel)UtrechtThe Netherlands
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix‐Rousse, Centre de Biologie Nord, Institut des Agents Infectieux, Laboratoire de VirologieLyonFrance
| | - Michel Dückers
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel)UtrechtThe Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma CentreDiemenThe Netherlands
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Saverio Caini
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel)UtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - John Paget
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel)UtrechtThe Netherlands
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8
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Moyes J, Tempia S, Walaza S, McMorrow ML, Treurnicht F, Wolter N, von Gottberg A, Kahn K, Cohen AL, Dawood H, Variava E, Cohen C. The burden of RSV-associated illness in children aged < 5 years, South Africa, 2011 to 2016. BMC Med 2023; 21:139. [PMID: 37038125 PMCID: PMC10088270 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02853-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to protect the very young infant against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated illness are effective for limited time periods. We aimed to estimate age-specific burden to guide implementation strategies and cost-effectiveness analyses. METHODS We combined case-based surveillance and ecological data to generate a national estimate of the burden of RSV-associated acute respiratory illness (ARI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in South African children aged < 5 years (2011-2016), including adjustment for attributable fraction. We estimated the RSV burden by month of life in the < 1-year age group, by 3-month intervals until 2 years, and then 12 monthly intervals to < 5 years for medically and non-medically attended illness. RESULTS We estimated a mean annual total (medically and non-medically attended) of 264,112 (95% confidence interval (CI) 134,357-437,187) cases of RSV-associated ARI and 96,220 (95% CI 66,470-132,844) cases of RSV-associated SARI (4.7% and 1.7% of the population aged < 5 years, respectively). RSV-associated ARI incidence was highest in 2-month-old infants (18,361/100,000 population, 95% CI 9336-28,466). The highest incidence of RSV-associated SARI was in the < 1-month age group 14,674/100,000 (95% CI 11,175-19,645). RSV-associated deaths were highest in the first and second month of life (110.8 (95% CI 74.8-144.5) and 111.3 (86.0-135.8), respectively). CONCLUSIONS Due to the high burden of RSV-associated illness, specifically SARI cases in young infants, maternal vaccination and monoclonal antibody products delivered at birth could prevent significant RSV-associated disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Moyes
- Center for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Stefano Tempia
- Center for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Sibongile Walaza
- Center for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Meredith L McMorrow
- Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Florette Treurnicht
- Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nicole Wolter
- Center for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Anne von Gottberg
- Center for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Epidemiology and Global Health Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Adam L Cohen
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Halima Dawood
- Department of Medicine, Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Caprisa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Ebrahim Variava
- Department of Medicine, Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital Complex, Klerksdorp, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Cohen
- Center for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, 2131, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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9
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Sabeena S, Ravishankar N, Robin S, Pillai SS. The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on bronchiolitis (lower respiratory tract infection) due to respiratory syncytial virus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Indian J Public Health 2023; 67:284-291. [PMID: 37459026 DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1334_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection which accounts for most bronchiolitis and viral pneumonias in infants. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on RSV-associated bronchiolitis among hospitalized infants. The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022314000) and was designed based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines updated in May 2020. The meta-analysis component was modified appropriately to synthesize the pooled proportion of infants having RSV-associated bronchiolitis before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 and during the pandemic with 95% confidence interval (CI). We identified and screened 189 articles and systematically reviewed 50 full texts. Eight qualified studies from Europe and China, including 109,186 symptomatic cases of bronchiolitis before the pandemic in 2019 and 61,982 cases in 2020-2021 were pooled by random-effects meta-analysis. The quantitative analysis included laboratory-confirmed RSV infection in 7691 infants with bronchiolitis reported before the pandemic in 2019. Meanwhile, during the pandemic, 4964 bronchiolitis cases were associated with RSV infection. The pooled proportion of RSV-associated bronchiolitis cases before the pandemic in 2019 was 16.74% (95% CI 11.73, 22.43%, 95% prediction interval 0.032, 34.16). The pooled proportion of confirmed RSV cases during the pandemic in 2020/2021 was 19.20% (95% CI 12.01, 27.59%, 95% prediction interval 0.046, 42.35). There was an increase in RSV activity after the relaxation of stringent public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nagaraja Ravishankar
- Assistant Professor, Department of Biostatistics, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Sudandiradas Robin
- Research Officer, Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sabitha Sasidharan Pillai
- Paediatric Endocrinology Fellow, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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10
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Nyawanda BO, Murunga N, Otieno NA, Bigogo G, Nyiro JU, Vodicka E, Bulterys M, Nokes DJ, Munywoki PK, Emukule GO. Estimates of the national burden of respiratory syncytial virus in Kenyan children aged under 5 years, 2010-2018. BMC Med 2023; 21:122. [PMID: 37004034 PMCID: PMC10067313 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02787-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is among the leading childhood causes of viral pneumonia worldwide. Establishing RSV-associated morbidity and mortality is important in informing the development, delivery strategies, and evaluation of interventions. METHODS Using data collected during 2010-2018 from base regions (population-based surveillance studies in western Kenya and the Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance Study), we estimated age-specific rates of acute respiratory illness (ARI), severe acute respiratory illness (SARI-defined as hospitalization with cough or difficulty breathing with onset within the past 10 days), and SARI-associated deaths. We extrapolated the rates from the base regions to other regions of Kenya, while adjusting for risk factors of ARI and healthcare seeking behavior, and finally applied the proportions of RSV-positive cases identified from various sentinel and study facilities to the rates to obtain regional age-specific rates of RSV-associated outpatient and non-medically attended ARI and hospitalized SARI and severe ARI that was not hospitalized (non-hospitalized SARI). We applied age-specific RSV case fatality ratios to SARI to obtain estimates of RSV-associated in- and out-of-hospital deaths. RESULTS Among Kenyan children aged < 5 years, the estimated annual incidence of outpatient and non-medically attended RSV-associated ARI was 206 (95% credible interval, CI; 186-229) and 226 (95% CI; 204-252) per 1000 children, respectively. The estimated annual rates of hospitalized and non-hospitalized RSV-associated SARI were 349 (95% CI; 303-404) and 1077 (95% CI; 934-1247) per 100,000 children respectively. The estimated annual number of in- and out-of-hospital deaths associated with RSV infection in Kenya were 539 (95% CI; 420-779) and 1921 (95% CI; 1495-2774), respectively. Children aged < 6 months had the highest burden of RSV-associated severe disease: 2075 (95% CI; 1818-2394) and 44 (95% CI 25-71) cases per 100,000 children for hospitalized SARI and in-hospital deaths, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a substantial disease burden due to RSV infection, particularly among younger children. Prioritizing development and use of maternal vaccines and affordable long-lasting monoclonal antibodies could help reduce this burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan O Nyawanda
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya.
| | - Nickson Murunga
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Nancy A Otieno
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Godfrey Bigogo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Joyce U Nyiro
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Marc Bulterys
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - D James Nokes
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
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11
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Stein RT, Zar HJ. RSV through the COVID-19 pandemic: Burden, shifting epidemiology, and implications for the future. Pediatr Pulmonol 2023; 58:1631-1639. [PMID: 36811330 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) represents a major global healthcare burden, particularly in those under 5 years of age. There is no available vaccine, with treatment limited to supportive care or palivizumab for high-risk children. Additionally, although a causal relationship has not been established, RSV has been associated with the development of asthma or wheezing in some children. The COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have caused substantial changes to RSV seasonality and epidemiology. Many countries have experienced an absence of RSV during the time of a typical season, followed by an out-of-season surge upon relaxation of NPI use. These dynamics have disrupted traditional RSV disease patterns and assumptions, but also provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the transmission of RSV and other respiratory viruses, as well as inform future approaches to RSV preventive strategies. Here, we review the RSV burden and epidemiology through the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss how new data may affect future decisions regarding RSV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato T Stein
- Infant Center, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,SA-MRC Unit for Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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12
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Chadha M, Prabhakaran AO, Choudhary ML, Biswas D, Koul P, Kaveri K, Dar L, Mamta CS, Jadhav S, Bhardwaj SD, Laserson K, Saha S, Potdar V. Multisite surveillance for influenza and other respiratory viruses in India: 2016-2018. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001001. [PMID: 36962617 PMCID: PMC10022084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There is limited surveillance and laboratory capacity for non-influenza respiratory viruses in India. We leveraged the influenza sentinel surveillance of India to detect other respiratory viruses among patients with acute respiratory infection. Six centers representing different geographic areas of India weekly enrolled a convenience sample of 5-10 patients with acute respiratory infection (ARI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) between September 2016-December 2018. Staff collected nasal and throat specimens in viral transport medium and tested for influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), human meta-pneumovirus (HMPV), adenovirus (AdV) and human rhinovirus (HRV) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Phylogenetic analysis of influenza and RSV was done. We enrolled 16,338 including 8,947 ARI and 7,391 SARI cases during the study period. Median age was 14.6 years (IQR:4-32) in ARI cases and 13 years (IQR:1.3-55) in SARI cases. We detected respiratory viruses in 33.3% (2,981) of ARI and 33.4% (2,468) of SARI cases. Multiple viruses were co-detected in 2.8% (458/16,338) specimens. Among ARI cases influenza (15.4%) were the most frequently detected viruses followed by HRV (6.2%), RSV (5%), HMPV (3.4%), PIV (3.3%) and AdV (3.1%),. Similarly among SARI cases, influenza (12.7%) were most frequently detected followed by RSV (8.2%), HRV (6.1%), PIV (4%), HMPV (2.6%) and AdV (2.1%). Our study demonstrated the feasibility of expanding influenza surveillance systems for surveillance of other respiratory viruses in India. Influenza was the most detected virus among ARI and SARI cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep Chadha
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology, Pune, India
| | | | | | - Dipankar Biswas
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre, Dibrugarh, India
| | - Parvaiz Koul
- Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India
| | - K. Kaveri
- King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Lalit Dar
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Chawla Sarkar Mamta
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | - Santosh Jadhav
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology, Pune, India
| | - Sumit Dutt Bhardwaj
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology, Pune, India
| | - Kayla Laserson
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (India Office), New Delhi, India
| | - Siddhartha Saha
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (India Office), New Delhi, India
| | - Varsha Potdar
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology, Pune, India
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13
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Ezzat S, Biga R, Kozlakidis Z. Biobanking in LMIC settings for infectious diseases: Challenges and enablers. BIOSAFETY AND HEALTH 2022; 4:290-292. [PMID: 35910333 PMCID: PMC9310343 DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Biobanking facilities are well established in high-income settings, where substantial funding has been invested in infrastructure. In contrast, such facilities are much less developed in resource-restricted settings. However, low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) still face a disproportionately high infectious diseases burden. Thus, the further development of infrastructure facilities, including biobanks is warranted as an important component of this unfolding clinical research environment. This perspective manuscript summarises the challenges and enablers for biobanking in LMICs, with a particular focus on infectious diseases, incorporating some of the lessons learned from the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameera Ezzat
- National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin el Kom 32511, Egypt
- Mounir Armanious Research Center (MARC), Giza 12561, Egypt
| | | | - Zisis Kozlakidis
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon 69372, France
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14
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Ziegler T, Moen A, Zhang W, Cox NJ. Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System: 70 years of responding to the expected and preparing for the unexpected. Lancet 2022; 400:981-982. [PMID: 36154679 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01741-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thedi Ziegler
- Research Center for Child Psychiatry, University of Turku, FI-20540 Turku, Finland.
| | - Ann Moen
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- Global Influenza Programme, Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness, WHO Emergency Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nancy J Cox
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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15
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Low YL, Wong SY, Lee EKH, Muhammed MH. Prevalence of respiratory viruses among paediatric patients in acute respiratory illnesses in Malaysia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265288. [PMID: 35921317 PMCID: PMC9348681 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives
Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, there is limited surveillance data on the epidemiological burden of respiratory pathogens in tropical countries like Malaysia. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of respiratory pathogens causing ARIs among children aged <18 years old in Malaysia and their epidemiological characteristics.
Methods
Nasopharyngeal swab specimens received at 12 laboratories located in different states of Malaysia from 2015–2019 were studied. Detection of 18 respiratory pathogens were performed using multiplex PCR.
Results
Data from a total of 23,306 paediatric patients who presented with ARI over a five-year period was studied. Of these, 18538 (79.5%) were tested positive. The most prevalent respiratory pathogens detected in this study were enterovirus/ rhinovirus (6837/ 23000; 29.7%), influenza virus (5176/ 23000; 22.5%) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (3652/ 23000; 15.9%). Throughout the study period, RSV demonstrated the most pronounce seasonality; peak infection occurred during July to September. Whereas the influenza virus was detected year-round in Malaysia. No seasonal variation was noted in other respiratory pathogens. The risk of RSV hospitalisation was found to be significantly higher in children aged less than two years old, whereas hospitalisation rates for the influenza virus peaked at children aged between 3–6 years old.
Conclusion
This study provides insight into the epidemiology and the seasonality of the causative pathogens of ARI among the paediatric population in Malaysia. Knowledge of seasonal respiratory pathogens epidemiological dynamics will facilitate the identification of a target window for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoke Lee Low
- Pantai Premier Pathology Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - Shin Yee Wong
- Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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16
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Full Genome Characterization of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Causing a Fatal Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient in Tunisia. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070758. [PMID: 35890000 PMCID: PMC9315832 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human orthopneumovirus (HRSV) is a virus belonging to the Pneumovirus genus that causes lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in infants worldwide. In Tunisia, thousands of infants hospitalized for LRTI are found to be positive for HRSV but no whole genome sequences of HRSV strains circulating in this country are available thus far. In this study, five nasal swab samples collected at different time points from a three-month-old female baby with severe immunodeficiency that was hospitalized for acute bronchiolitis were investigated by next generation sequencing. The Tunisian sequences from this study originated from samples collected in 2021, belong to the ON1 genotype of HRSV-A, and are clustered with European sequences from 2019 and not from 2020 or 2021. This is most likely related to local region-specific transmission of different HRSV-A variants due to the COVID-19 related travel restrictions. Overall, this is the first report describing the whole genome sequence of HRSV from Tunisia. However, more sequence data is needed to better understand the genetic diversity and transmission dynamic of HRSV.
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17
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Brennan RJ, Memish ZA, Rashidian A, Abubakar A, Khan W, Ghaffar A. Learning from COVID-19 to prevent and prepare for pandemics in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-009912. [PMID: 35764355 PMCID: PMC9237650 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Richard John Brennan
- WHO Health Emergencies Programme, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ziad A Memish
- Research and Innovation Center, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arash Rashidian
- Science, Information and Dissemination, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdinasir Abubakar
- WHO Health Emergencies Programme, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Wasiq Khan
- WHO Health Emergencies Programme, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdul Ghaffar
- Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
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18
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Tempia S, Abou El Naja H, Barakat A, Abubakar A, Khan W. Integrated surveillance for high-impact respiratory viruses: a necessity for better epidemic and pandemic preparedness. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-009018. [PMID: 35764353 PMCID: PMC9234428 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tempia
- Infectious Hazards Prevention and Preparedness Unit, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala Abou El Naja
- Infectious Hazards Prevention and Preparedness Unit, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amal Barakat
- Infectious Hazards Prevention and Preparedness Unit, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdinasir Abubakar
- Infectious Hazards Prevention and Preparedness Unit, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Wasiq Khan
- Infectious Hazards Prevention and Preparedness Unit, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
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19
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Role of community-based cohorts for uncovering the iceberg of disease. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2021; 9:e740-e741. [PMID: 34019828 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00211-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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20
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Teirlinck AC, Broberg EK, Berg AS, Campbell H, Reeves RM, Carnahan A, Lina B, Pakarna G, Bøås H, Nohynek H, Emborg HD, Nair H, Reiche J, Oliva JA, Gorman JO, Paget J, Szymanski K, Danis K, Socan M, Gijon M, Rapp M, Havlíčková M, Trebbien R, Guiomar R, Hirve SS, Buda S, van der Werf S, Meijer A, Fischer TK. Recommendations for respiratory syncytial virus surveillance at national level. Eur Respir J 2021; 58:13993003.03766-2020. [PMID: 33888523 PMCID: PMC8485062 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.03766-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections and hospitalisations among young children and is globally responsible for many deaths in young children, especially in infants aged <6 months. Furthermore, RSV is a common cause of severe respiratory disease and hospitalisation among older adults. The development of new candidate vaccines and monoclonal antibodies highlights the need for reliable surveillance of RSV. In the European Union (EU), no up-to-date general recommendations on RSV surveillance are currently available. Based on outcomes of a workshop with 29 European experts in the field of RSV virology, epidemiology and public health, we provide recommendations for developing a feasible and sustainable national surveillance strategy for RSV that will enable harmonisation and data comparison at the European level. We discuss three surveillance components: active sentinel community surveillance, active sentinel hospital surveillance and passive laboratory surveillance, using the EU acute respiratory infection and World Health Organization (WHO) extended severe acute respiratory infection case definitions. Furthermore, we recommend the use of quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR-based assays as the standard detection method for RSV and virus genetic characterisation, if possible, to monitor genetic evolution. These guidelines provide a basis for good quality, feasible and affordable surveillance of RSV. Harmonisation of surveillance standards at the European and global level will contribute to the wider availability of national level RSV surveillance data for regional and global analysis, and for estimation of RSV burden and the impact of future immunisation programmes. Recommendations for developing a feasible and sustainable national surveillance strategy for respiratory syncytial virus that will enable harmonisation and data comparison at the European level.https://bit.ly/3rWUOOI
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Teirlinck
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) - Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Eeva K Broberg
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Håkon Bøås
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanna Nohynek
- Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland
| | | | - Harish Nair
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Jesus Angel Oliva
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III Madrid, CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | | | - John Paget
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Kostas Danis
- Santé publique France (SpFrance), the French national public health agency, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Maja Socan
- Public Health Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Marie Rapp
- Public Health Agency Stockholm, Solna, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adam Meijer
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) - Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Thea K Fischer
- Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Nordsjaellands Hospital, Hilleroed, Denmark and Department of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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21
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Subissi L, Bossuyt N, Reynders M, Gérard M, Dauby N, Bourgeois M, Delaere B, Quoilin S, Van Gucht S, Thomas I, Barbezange C. Capturing respiratory syncytial virus season in Belgium using the influenza severe acute respiratory infection surveillance network, season 2018/19. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 25. [PMID: 33006303 PMCID: PMC7531071 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2020.25.39.1900627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of severe respiratory illness in young children (< 5 years old) and older adults (≥ 65 years old) leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to recommend the implementation of a dedicated surveillance in countries. Aim We tested the capacity of the severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) hospital network to contribute to RSV surveillance in Belgium. Methods During the 2018/19 influenza season, we started the SARI surveillance for influenza in Belgium in week 40, earlier than in the past, to follow RSV activity, which usually precedes influenza virus circulation. While the WHO SARI case definition for influenza normally used by the SARI hospital network was employed, flexibility over the fever criterion was allowed, so patients without fever but meeting the other case definition criteria could be included in the surveillance. Results Between weeks 40 2018 and 2 2019, we received 508 samples from SARI patients. We found an overall RSV detection rate of 62.4% (317/508), with rates varying depending on the age group: 77.6% in children aged < 5 years (253/326) and 34.4% in adults aged ≥ 65 years (44/128). Over 90% of the RSV-positive samples also positive for another tested respiratory virus (80/85) were from children aged < 5 years. Differences were also noted between age groups for symptoms, comorbidities and complications. Conclusion With only marginal modifications in the case definition and the period of surveillance, the Belgian SARI network would be able to substantially contribute to RSV surveillance and burden evaluation in children and older adults, the two groups of particular interest for WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Subissi
- European Public Health Microbiology Training Programme (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden.,National Influenza Centre, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Bossuyt
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marijke Reynders
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Microbiology, Algemeen Ziekenhuis Sint-Jan, Brugge-Oostende AV, Belgium
| | - Michèle Gérard
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire St-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Dauby
- Centre for Environmental Health and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire St-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Bourgeois
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire UCL Namur, Ysoir, Belgium
| | | | - Sophie Quoilin
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
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22
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Carbonell-Estrany X, Rodgers-Gray BS, Paes B. Challenges in the prevention or treatment of RSV with emerging new agents in children from low- and middle-income countries. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 19:419-441. [PMID: 32972198 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1828866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes approximately 120,000 deaths annually in children <5 years, with 99% of fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). AREAS COVERED There are numerous RSV interventions in development, including long-acting monoclonal antibodies, vaccines (maternal and child) and treatments which are expected to become available soon. We reviewed the key challenges and issues that need to be addressed to maximize the impact of these interventions in LMICs. The epidemiology of RSV in LMICs was reviewed (PubMed search to 30 June 2020 inclusive) and the need for more and better-quality data, encompassing hospital admissions, community contacts, and longer-term respiratory morbidity, emphasized. The requirement for an agreed clinical definition of RSV lower respiratory tract infection was proposed. The pros and cons of the new RSV interventions are reviewed from the perspective of LMICs. EXPERT OPINION We believe that a vaccine (or combination of vaccines, if practicable) is the only viable solution to the burden of RSV in LMICs. A coordinated program, analogous to that with polio, involving governments, non-governmental organizations, the World Health Organization, the manufacturers and the healthcare community is required to realize the full potential of vaccine(s) and end the devastation of RSV in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Carbonell-Estrany
- Neonatology Service, Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi Suñer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Bosco Paes
- Department of Pediatrics (Neonatal Division), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Jackson S, Peret TCT, Ziegler TT, Thornburg NJ, Besselaar T, Broor S, Barr I, Baumeister E, Chadha M, Chittaganpitch M, Darmaa B, Ellis J, Fasce R, Herring B, Herve K, Hirve S, Li Y, Pisareva M, Moen A, Naguib A, Palekar R, Potdar V, Siqueira M, Treurnicht F, Tivane A, Venter M, Wairagkar N, Zambon M, Zhang W. Results from the WHO external quality assessment for the respiratory syncytial virus pilot, 2016-17. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2020; 14:671-677. [PMID: 32730685 PMCID: PMC7578327 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background External quality assessments (EQAs) for the molecular detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are necessary to ensure the provision of reliable and accurate results. One of the objectives of the pilot of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global RSV Surveillance, 2016‐2017, was to evaluate and standardize RSV molecular tests used by participating countries. This paper describes the first WHO RSV EQA for the molecular detection of RSV. Methods The WHO implemented the pilot of Global RSV Surveillance based on the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) from 2016 to 2018 in 14 countries. To ensure standardization of tests, 13 participating laboratories were required to complete a 12 panel RSV EQA prepared and distributed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA. The 14th laboratory joined the pilot late and participated in a separate EQA. Laboratories evaluated a RSV rRT‐PCR assay developed by CDC and compared where applicable, other Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) or commercial assays already in use at their laboratories. Results Laboratories performed well using the CDC RSV rRT‐PCR in comparison with LDTs and commercial assays. Using the CDC assay, 11 of 13 laboratories reported correct results. Two laboratories each reported one false‐positive finding. Of the laboratories using LDTs or commercial assays, results as assessed by Ct values were 100% correct for 1/5 (20%). With corrective actions, all laboratories achieved satisfactory outputs. Conclusions These findings indicate that reliable results can be expected from this pilot. Continued participation in EQAs for the molecular detection of RSV is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Jackson
- Global Influenza Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Teresa C T Peret
- Division of Viral Diseases, Respiratory Viruses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Thedi T Ziegler
- Research Center for Child Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Natalie J Thornburg
- Division of Viral Diseases, Respiratory Viruses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Terry Besselaar
- Global Influenza Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Shobha Broor
- Medicine and Health Sciences, Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenaryl University, Gurugram, India
| | - Ian Barr
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elsa Baumeister
- Departamento Virologia, INEI-ANLIS Carlos G Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mandeep Chadha
- National Institute of Virology, Indian Council of Medical Research, Pune, India
| | | | - Badarch Darmaa
- Virology Laboratory, National Center for Communicable Diseases, Ulanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Joanna Ellis
- Virus Reference Department, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Rodrigo Fasce
- Sub-department of Viral Diseases, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Belinda Herring
- African Region Office, World Health Organization, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Kadjo Herve
- Department of Epidemic Viruses, Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Yan Li
- Influenza and Respiratory Viruses Section, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Maria Pisareva
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Ann Moen
- Global Influenza Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Amel Naguib
- Central Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Varsha Potdar
- National Institute of Virology, Indian Council of Medical Research, Pune, India
| | | | - Florette Treurnicht
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Almiro Tivane
- Laboratório de Isolamento Viral, Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Marietjie Venter
- Center for Viral Zoonosis, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Maria Zambon
- Virus Reference Department, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- Global Influenza Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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24
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Mollers M, Barnadas C, Broberg EK, Penttinen P, Teirlinck AC, Fischer TK. Current practices for respiratory syncytial virus surveillance across the EU/EEA Member States, 2017. Euro Surveill 2019; 24:1900157. [PMID: 31595876 PMCID: PMC6784450 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.40.1900157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major contributor to lower respiratory tract infections worldwide and several vaccine candidates are currently in development. Following vaccine introduction, reliable RSV surveillance should enable monitoring of vaccination impact. Data on the RSV disease burden in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) are sparse.AimThe aim of this study was to gather knowledge on current practices of national RSV surveillance in the EU/EEA.MethodsNational Coordinators and National Focal Points for Influenza (epidemiologists and virologists) from the EU/EEA countries (n = 31) were invited to participate in an online survey in August and September 2017. The questionnaire covered questions on epidemiological and laboratory aspects of RSV surveillance.ResultsAll EU/EEA countries except Liechtenstein replied to the survey. Eighteen countries reported to have a sentinel surveillance system, 26 countries a non-sentinel surveillance system and three countries to have neither. RSV data collection was mostly done within the context of influenza surveillance. A wide range of diagnostic and characterisation assays was used for the detection of RSV.DiscussionThe majority of EU/EEA countries have some surveillance for RSV in place. The prevailing integration of RSV surveillance into the existing influenza sentinel surveillance system may lead to under-reporting of RSV. The documented variations in existing RSV surveillance systems and their outputs indicate that there is scope for developing guidelines on establishing comparable methods and outcomes for RSV surveillance across the EU/EEA, to ensure the availability of a consistent evidence base for assessing future vaccination programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelief Mollers
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) - Centre for Infectious disease control, Bilthoven, the Netherlands,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET) and European Public Health Microbiology (EUPHEM) training programme, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden,These authors contributed equally to this manuscript
| | - Céline Barnadas
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET) and European Public Health Microbiology (EUPHEM) training programme, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden,These authors contributed equally to this manuscript,Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eeva K Broberg
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pasi Penttinen
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Anne C Teirlinck
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) - Centre for Infectious disease control, Bilthoven, the Netherlands,These authors contributed equally to this manuscript
| | - Thea K Fischer
- Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark,Department of Infectious Diseases and Centre for Global Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark,These authors contributed equally to this manuscript
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25
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Broor S, Campbell H, Hirve S, Hague S, Jackson S, Moen A, Nair H, Palekar R, Rajatonirina S, Smith PG, Venter M, Wairagkar N, Zambon M, Ziegler T, Zhang W. Leveraging the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System for global respiratory syncytial virus surveillance-opportunities and challenges. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2019; 14:622-629. [PMID: 31444997 PMCID: PMC7578328 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated acute lower respiratory infection is a common cause for hospitalization and hospital deaths in young children globally. There is urgent need to generate evidence to inform immunization policies when RSV vaccines become available. The WHO piloted a RSV surveillance strategy that leverages the existing capacities of the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) to better understand RSV seasonality, high-risk groups, validate case definitions, and develop laboratory and surveillance standards for RSV. METHODS The RSV sentinel surveillance strategy was piloted in 14 countries. Patients across all age groups presenting to sentinel hospitals and clinics were screened all year-round using extended severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and acute respiratory infection (ARI) case definitions for hospital and primary care settings, respectively. Respiratory specimens were tested for RSV at the National Influenza Centre (NIC) using standardized molecular diagnostics that had been validated by an External Quality Assurance program. The WHO FluMart data platform was adapted to receive case-based RSV data and visualize interactive visualization outputs. RESULTS Laboratory standards for detecting RSV by RT-PCR were developed. A review assessed the feasibility and the low incremental costs for RSV surveillance. Several challenges were addressed related to case definitions, sampling strategies, the need to focus surveillance on young children, and the data required for burden estimation. CONCLUSIONS There was no evidence of any significant adverse impact on the functioning of GISRS which is primarily intended for virologic and epidemiological surveillance of influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobha Broor
- Medicine and Health Sciences, Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, India
| | - Harry Campbell
- Usher Institute of Population Health Research and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Siddhivinayak Hirve
- Global Influenza Program, Influenza Preparedness and Response, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Siri Hague
- Department of Influenza, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sandra Jackson
- Global Influenza Program, Influenza Preparedness and Response, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ann Moen
- Global Influenza Program, Influenza Preparedness and Response, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Harish Nair
- Usher Institute of Population Health Research and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Peter G Smith
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Marietjie Venter
- Center for Viral Zoonosis, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Maria Zambon
- Virus Reference Department, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Thedi Ziegler
- Research Center for Child Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- Global Influenza Program, Influenza Preparedness and Response, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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