Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown on the Epidemiology of RSV-Mediated Bronchiolitis: Experience from Our Centre

• Main Authors: Sara Manti (Author), Alessandro Giallongo (Author), Giuseppe Fabio Parisi (Author), Maria Papale (Author), Santiago Presti (Author), Manuela Lo Bianco (Author), Lucia Spicuzza (Author), Salvatore Leonardi (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2022-11-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected the global epidemiology of other infectious respiratory diseases, leading to a significant decrease in their incidence. Hence, we aimed to characterize the epidemiology of RSV-bronchiolitis in children. Methods: children aged ≤2 years diagnosed with RSV-mediated bronchiolitis admitted to our Unit from October 2018 to December 2021, were retrospectively enrolled. Results: We included 95 patients (M/F = 46/49; mean age 7.56 ± 6.6 months). Specifically, 17 infants in 2018, 34 in 2019, 0 during 2020 lockdown, 1 during 2020 post-lockdown, and 43 in 2021. Incidence was significantly lower in 2020 compared with 2018, 2019 and 2021 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). No differences were found concerning need for respiratory support. Discussion: Several factors related to SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, especially restrictive measures, may have contributed to a significant reduction in hospitalizations due to RSV. The new outbreak in RSV infection-related hospitalizations reported between October and December 2021 has been suggested it may be due to an increased number of susceptible individuals to RSV infection. Conclusion: The experience of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has led to a marked decrease in other viral respiratory infections, such as RSV. This may pave the way for new approaches in preventing respiratory infections, highlighting the role of preventive measures.

Item Description

10.3390/children9111723
2227-9067