Respiratory Syncytial Virus incidence and typing in the last 6 seasons
in the north of Spain (Asturias). Genetic characterization during the
SARS-Cov-2 pandemic
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus is associated with lower respiratory tract
infections. As several types and genotypes can circulate at the same
time, genomic characterisation is important for timely epidemiological
control and treatment measures. In the last 6 seasons (2017-2023),
191236 nasopharyngeal swabs were processed for respiratory viruses. The
incidence of RSV reached 7% in the pre-pandemic season. RSV was most
frequent in children under 5 years of age (12.6%), but was also
significant in those over 70 years of age (5.63%). The measures taken
to control SARS-Cov2 infection were useful for RSV control and the
incidence decreased to 1.8%, but caused a change in the types.
Pre-pandemic, the majority circulating types were RSV-B/RSV-B/RSV-A and
in pandemic it was RSV-B/RSV-B. In the last season, RSV-B and RSV-A were
detected in the same proportion. Genetic characterization showed three
new clades. This has been taken into account in order to take the
correct measures.