Peer-reviewed article
Respiratory syncytial virus immunisation overview
David A Foley, Linny K Phuong, Janet A Englund ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This is an overview of efforts to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes illness and death in adults and children. Treatment is limited to supportive care, and natural infection gives only partial protection. Early vaccine attempts made the disease worse and increased deaths among recipients. Current approaches use active and passive immunisation targeting the RSV F-protein, including maternal vaccines, the monoclonal antibody palivizumab, and newer options still under development. The authors say progress has been made and that an effective preventive option may be getting closer.
Key points
- RSV remains a significant cause of illness and death in adults and children.
- Treatment is limited to supportive care, and natural infection gives incomplete protection against repeat episodes.
- Early vaccine efforts caused enhanced RSV disease and increased deaths among recipients.
- Palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody, has moderate preventative efficacy, and a newer longer-lasting version appears promising.
- Maternal vaccines given in pregnancy may protect infants, and trials are ongoing.
Limitations
The abstract is a narrative overview and gives no data, study methods, or country focus. It cannot tell us how well any current option works in specific settings, including African ones.
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to be a significant source of morbidity and mortality in both adults and children. Natural infection confers incomplete protection, permitting recurrent episodes. Treatment remains limited to supportive care. Initial endeavours to develop a vaccine resulted in an unexpected enhancement of RSV disease and increased recipient mortality. Current proposed strategies to prevent RSV infection rely on the principles of active and passive immunisation and utilise the highly conserved RSV F‐protein. Maternal vaccines administered in pregnancy may provide protection; trials are ongoing. Palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody, has a moderate preventative efficacy. A similar newer longer lasting formulation appears promising. A number of other novel options are being developed and are undergoing assessment. Progress has been made, with more vaccine candidates under consideration. We are edging closer to an effective solution to prevent RSV infection. If successful, the impact on paediatric morbidity, mortality, workload and cost will be substantial.