Impact of COVID-19 social distancing on viral infection in France: a delayed outbreak of RSV

COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures has deeply modified the natural course of seasonal viral infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Methods We analysed French national data from three networks: emergency departments (ED) of French hospitals, general practitioners (GP), and hospital laboratories. We compared the number of ED visits and GP visits for bronchiolitis in children <2 years of age, and the percentage of RSV positive tests in the 2020-2021 season with those of the two previous seasons (2018-2019 and 2019-2020). We used time series of the previous 5 years to calculate epidemic thresholds. Results During the 2020–2021 season, the epidemic begun in February (week 05) in the Ile de France (Paris and suburbs) region, 12 weeks later compared with the previous seasons and progressively spread across all the French metropolitan regions. The highest number of bronchiolitis cases in 2021 (week 12) occurred 10-12 weeks after the previous seasonal peaks of previous seasons, but the number of cases remained lower than in the previous seasonal peaks. Conclusion We identified a delayed RSV epidemic in the period that usually corresponds at the end of the epidemic season, raising concerns for the burden of RSV in the already strained healthcare systems during the COVID-19 pandemic

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DETECTION OF INFLUENZA VIRUS AND PATHOGENS OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY VIRAL INFECTIONS IN POPULATION OF KAZAKHSTAN DURING 2018-2019 EPIDEMIC SEASON

Russian Journal of Infection and Immunity ◽

10.15789/2220-7619-doi-1348 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

N. G. Klivleyeva ◽

N. S. Ongarbayeva ◽

A. M. Baimukhametova ◽

N. T. Saktaganov ◽

G. V. Lukmanova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Virus ◽

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Influenza A ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Influenza Viruses ◽

Clinical Samples ◽

Type B ◽

Epidemic Season ◽

Parainfluenza Viruses ◽

Syncytial Virus

Influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections are the most common contemporary infectious diseases resulting in prominent harm to human health and great economic damage. At least five groups of viruses including more than 300 subtypes are currently referred to ARVI pathogens. Such infectious agents are characterized by variability resulting in their altered antigenic characteristics, increased contagiousness, "evasion from immune response and resistance to antivirals. Relevance of influenza and other ARVIs is also accounted for by rapid development of bacteria-associated respiratory diseases. Continuous variability of influenza viruses and emergence of new ARVI pathogens pose a serious threat. In recent years, a simultaneous circulation of subtype A (H1N1) and A (H3N2) influenza viruses with a predominance of a pandemic strain as well as type B viruses have been observed. Among the causative agents of non-influenza ARVIs, respiratory syncytial virus, rhino- and adenoviruses, and I/III parainfluenza viruses are recorded most often. Here we present the data of virology and serological examination of clinical samples collected during the 2018 – 2019 epidemic season in the Republic of Kazakhstan. For this, 2794 clinical samples (2530 nasopharyngeal swabs and 264 blood serums) were collected from patients diagnosed with ARVI, ARI, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs for detection of influenza by RT-PCR demonstrated that mixed etiology influenza viruses with predominance of A/H1N1pdm virus circulated in Kazakhstan. The genetic fingerprints of influenza virus were found in 511 swabs (20.20% of total examined samples). Influenza A virus RNA was detected in 508 biological samples: A/H1N1 – in 289, A/H3N2 – in 209, and unidentified virus subtype in 10 samples. Type B influenza virus was detected in 3 samples. Study of 264 serum samples by HAI assay and ELISA showed emergence of antibodies against influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B viruses in residents from various regions of Kazakhstan that indirectly confirmed co-circulation of these viruses. 42 influenza virus strains were isolated in chicken embryos, from which 28 were assigned to A/H1N1pdm virus, 13 to A/H3N2 virus, and one isolate was identified as influenza B virus. Laboratory diagnostics of clinical samples for ARVIs established that among identified non-influenza agents respiratory syncytial virus dominated, while rhinoviruses and adenoviruses were less common. Metapneumoviruses, bocaviruses, coronaviruses, and type I parainfluenza viruses were detected in few cases. Comparison of study data with those obtained after examining circulation of influenza viruses during the 2017 – 2018 epidemic season showed that in 2018 – 2019 in Kazakhstan similar to the previous epidemic season, influenza A and B viruses continued to circulate, with prevalence of A/H1N1pdm virus. Identification of non-influenza viruses causing respiratory infections in 2018 – 2019 showed predominance of respiratory syncytial virus, which correlated with data on the 2017 – 2018 epidemic season.

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Differential Mucin Expression by Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Metapneumovirus Infection in Human Epithelial Cells

Mediators of Inflammation ◽

10.1155/2015/347292 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Ma. Del Rocío Baños-Lara ◽

Boyang Piao ◽

Antonieta Guerrero-Plata

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Epithelial Cells ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Human Metapneumovirus ◽

Human Epithelial Cells ◽

Mucin Expression ◽

Rsv Infection ◽

Syncytial Virus ◽

Tract Disease

Mucins (MUC) constitute an important component of the inflammatory and innate immune response. However, the expression of these molecules by respiratory viral infections is still largely unknown. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are two close-related paramyxoviruses that can cause severe low respiratory tract disease in infants and young children worldwide. Currently, there is not vaccine available for neither virus. In this work, we explored the differential expression of MUC by RSV and hMPV in human epithelial cells. Our data indicate that the MUC expression by RSV and hMPV differs significantly, as we observed a stronger induction of MUC8, MUC15, MUC20, MUC21, and MUC22 by RSV infection while the expression of MUC1, MUC2, and MUC5B was dominated by the infection with hMPV. These results may contribute to the different immune response induced by these two respiratory viruses.

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Neonatal Viral Infections: Enteroviruses and Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Neonatology ◽

10.1007/978-3-319-18159-2_256-1 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Paolo Manzoni ◽

Davide Montin ◽

Elena Tavella ◽

Pier-Angelo Tovo

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Syncytial Virus

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Neonatal Viral Infections: Enteroviruses and Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Neonatology ◽

10.1007/978-3-319-29489-6_256 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 1785-1792

Author(s):

Paolo Manzoni ◽

Davide Montin ◽

Elena Tavella ◽

Pier Angelo Tovo

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Syncytial Virus

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Potential Neurocognitive Symptoms Due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens11010047 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 47

Author(s):

Catalina A. Andrade ◽

Alexis M. Kalergis ◽

Karen Bohmwald

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cell Types ◽

Potential Effect ◽

Viral Agent ◽

Pulmonary Manifestations ◽

Syncytial Virus ◽

Tract Infections

Respiratory infections are among the major public health burdens, especially during winter. Along these lines, the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the principal viral agent causing acute lower respiratory tract infections leading to hospitalization. The pulmonary manifestations due to hRSV infection are bronchiolitis and pneumonia, where the population most affected are infants and the elderly. However, recent evidence suggests that hRSV infection can impact the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Studies have indicated that hRSV can infect different cell types from the placenta and even cross the placenta barrier and infect the fetus. In addition, it is known that infections during the gestational period can lead to severe consequences for the development of the fetus due not only to a direct viral infection but also because of maternal immune activation (MIA). Furthermore, it has been described that the development of the central nervous system (CNS) of the fetus can be affected by the inflammatory environment of the uterus caused by viral infections. Increasing evidence supports the notion that hRSV could invade the CNS and infect nervous cells, such as microglia, neurons, and astrocytes, promoting neuroinflammation. Moreover, it has been described that the hRSV infection can provoke neurological manifestations, including cognitive impairment and behavioral alterations. Here, we will review the potential effect of hRSV in brain development and the potential long-term neurological sequelae.

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Control of Nosocomial Respiratory Syncytial Viral Infections

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.62.5.728 ◽

1978 ◽

Vol 62 (5) ◽

pp. 728-732

Author(s):

Caroline Breese Hall ◽

Joyce M. Geiman ◽

R. Gordon Douglas ◽

Mary Pat Meagher

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Close Contact ◽

Initial Infection ◽

Staff Members ◽

Rsv Infection ◽

Syncytial Virus ◽

Repeated Infections

We evaluated methods to control the spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on our infants' ward during a community outbreak of RSV infection. Methods included isolation and cohorting of infected infants, strict handwashing, use of gowns, and the cohorting of staff to the ill infants. Of 123 infants studied, 36 were admitted with RSV infections. Of the remaining 87 contact infants, eight (19%) acquired nosocomial RSV disease. Three of the eight developed pneumonia and one died. Of the 43 staff members, 24 (56%) became infected and 82% were symptomatic. Four acquired repeated infections within weeks of the initial infection. Studies a year previously had revealed that 45% of contact infants and 42% of the staff had acquired nosocomial RSV infections. Thus, the employed procedures appeared to have decreased the transmission of RSV to infants but not to the staff. Staff may continue to be infected by large droplets from close contact with ill infants or by self-inoculation of contaminated secretions.

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Contribution of Resident Memory CD8+ T Cells to Protective Immunity Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Their Impact on Vaccine Design

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens8030147 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 147 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Retamal-Díaz ◽

Covián ◽

Pacheco ◽

Castiglione-Matamala ◽

Bueno ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

T Cells ◽

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Memory T Cells ◽

Effector Memory ◽

Memory Cells ◽

Effective Immune Response ◽

Syncytial Virus ◽

Tract Infections

Worldwide, human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common etiological agent for acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI). RSV-ALRI is the major cause of hospital admissions in young children, and it can cause in-hospital deaths in children younger than six months old. Therefore, RSV remains one of the pathogens deemed most important for the generation of a vaccine. On the other hand, the effectiveness of a vaccine depends on the development of immunological memory against the pathogenic agent of interest. This memory is achieved by long-lived memory T cells, based on the establishment of an effective immune response to viral infections when subsequent exposures to the pathogen take place. Memory T cells can be classified into three subsets according to their expression of lymphoid homing receptors: central memory cells (TCM), effector memory cells (TEM) and resident memory T cells (TRM). The latter subset consists of cells that are permanently found in non-lymphoid tissues and are capable of recognizing antigens and mounting an effective immune response at those sites. TRM cells activate both innate and adaptive immune responses, thus establishing a robust and rapid response characterized by the production of large amounts of effector molecules. TRM cells can also recognize antigenically unrelated pathogens and trigger an innate-like alarm with the recruitment of other immune cells. It is noteworthy that this rapid and effective immune response induced by TRM cells make these cells an interesting aim in the design of vaccination strategies in order to establish TRM cell populations to prevent respiratory infectious diseases. Here, we discuss the biogenesis of TRM cells, their contribution to the resolution of respiratory viral infections and the induction of TRM cells, which should be considered for the rational design of new vaccines against RSV.

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749. Healthcare Utilization After Hospitalization for Respiratory Syncytial Virus or Unspecified Bronchiolitis in the First Year of Life

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofy210.756 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽

pp. S268-S269

Author(s):

Joel Ledbetter ◽

Lance Brannman ◽

Sally Wade ◽

David Diakun ◽

Tara Gonzales ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽

Healthcare Utilization ◽

Healthcare Resource Utilization ◽

Urgent Care ◽

First Year ◽

Chi Squared ◽

Ed Visits ◽

Syncytial Virus ◽

First Year Of Life

Abstract Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations and risk varies by gestational age (GA). Healthcare utilization following early hospitalizations caused by RSV (RSVH) or unspecified bronchiolitis (UBH) is not well understood. This study examined healthcare resource utilization (HRU) across GA categories within 12 months after an initial RSVH or UBH occurring in the first year of life. Methods Infants born July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2015 were identified in the MarketScan Commercial (COM) and Multistate Medicaid (MED) databases and assigned to GA categories using DRG and ICD codes and to an initial hospitalization cohort using inpatient claim diagnosis codes (RSVH, UBH without RSVH, or COMP [a comparator without RSVH or UBH]). Index dates (first admission dates for hospitalized infants) were assigned to COMP infants using times from birth to index dates among RSVH infants. HRU (hospitalizations, outpatient pharmacy fills, and visits for emergency department [ED], urgent care, wellness, other office or outpatient) excluded index hospitalizations and was assessed from 14 days post-index (or discharge if later) through 12 months post-index. Results were propensity score weighted to balance pre-index characteristics (age, sex, region, GA, birth hospitalization characteristics) across cohorts. Proportions were compared with chi-squared tests. Results Among all infants (all GA categories combined), the proportions of RSVH and UBH cohorts with follow-up hospitalizations or ED visits were greater (P < 0.05) than COMP (hospitalizations: COM +5.8%, +9.3%; MED +9.1%, +12.0%; ED visits: COM +15.8%, +16.2%; MED +14.4%, +17.1%). Follow-up hospitalizations in COM and MED and ED visits in COM declined with greater GA (Figures 1 and 2). HRU in other categories (fills, visits) was significantly (P < 0.05) greater among RSVH or UBH infants relative to COMP for nearly all GA categories in both COM and MED. Conclusion Infants hospitalized for RSV or UB in their first year of life had greater use of inpatient and outpatient resources in the 12 months following their initial hospitalizations compared with nonhospitalized infants. Inpatient care during follow-up was greatest among infants born at earlier GA. Funded by AstraZeneca Disclosures J. Ledbetter, AstraZeneca: Speaker’s Bureau, Speaker honorarium. L. Brannman, AstraZeneca: Employee, Salary and Stocks. S. Wade, Wade Outcomes Research and Consulting: Employee, Salary. D. Diakun, Truven Health Analytics, an IBM Company: Employee, Salary. T. Gonzales, AstraZeneca: Employee, Salary and Stocks. A. Kong, Truven Health Analytics, an IBM Company: Employee, Salary.

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