Seroepidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus in western India with special reference to appropriate age for infant vaccination. Issue 8 (6th May 2019) - Arankalle, Vidya A.
Abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant infant mortality worldwide and a vaccine may be available soon. This study determined age‐stratified anti‐RSV antibody positivity (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) at Pune, India (cord blood‐85 years). Antibody positivity declined from 100% at birth to 71.3% (3 months), and 0.7% (6 months). A significant rise was noted at 15 months (16%), 16 to 24 months (64.5%) and 4 years (95.2%) with concomitant IgM‐anti‐RSV positivity indicative of recent infection. Antibody decline was higher in infants born preterm than full‐term. Across subsequent age groups including the elderly, antibody positivity was similar and comparable, suggestive of repeated exposure to the virus. Early protection/vaccination is essential for the infant population. Highlight: Disappearance of maternal anti‐RSV antibodies in infants by age of 6 months. Prior exposure to RSV in > 90% population aged 4–85 years. Early RSV vaccination is essential for infant population.