During the COVID-19 pandemic where has respiratory syncytial virus gone?
Greta Di Mattia MD
Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Search for more papers by this authorRaffaella Nenna PhD
Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Search for more papers by this authorEnrica Mancino MD
Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Search for more papers by this authorValentina Rizzo MD
Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Search for more papers by this authorAlessandra Pierangeli PhD
Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Rome, Italy
Search for more papers by this authorAlberto Villani PhD
Pediatric Emergency Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Fabio Midulla PhD
Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Correspondence Fabio Midulla, PhD, Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, V.le Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorGreta Di Mattia MD
Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Search for more papers by this authorRaffaella Nenna PhD
Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Search for more papers by this authorEnrica Mancino MD
Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Search for more papers by this authorValentina Rizzo MD
Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Search for more papers by this authorAlessandra Pierangeli PhD
Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Rome, Italy
Search for more papers by this authorAlberto Villani PhD
Pediatric Emergency Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Fabio Midulla PhD
Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Correspondence Fabio Midulla, PhD, Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, V.le Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
The diffusion of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the implementation of restrictive measures led to a drastic reduction of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) diffusion. Few RSV cases have been detected worldwide, even after the removal of the restrictions. We review the current literature and present possible explanations on why there has been a significant reduction of RSV detection during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also hypothesize what may happen when RSV begins to circulate again. The increase of an immunologically naïve population, with infants born from mothers who have not reinforced their immunity to RSV, could lead to greater RSV epidemics in the coming seasons. It is crucial to prepare the scientific community and to keep RSV surveillance active to avoid dramatic consequences.
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