Conclusion
This first in-depth epidemiological study on RSV in CAF showed
concomitant circulation of RSV-A and RSV-B with an alternating
predominance and RSV-A genotype replacement from NA1 to ON1. This
molecular epidemiological study constitutes a reference for future
comparisons of multiyear data to better understand RSV transmission
patterns in CAF and to assess the clinical impact of the circulating
genotypes. Given preventive palivizumab administration costs and while
waiting for a licensed vaccine, awareness and early clinical care remain
the best options for preventing severe and deadly RSV infections.
Awareness campaigns concerning clinical manifestations of RSV infection,
which target mothers of children born within 6 months of RSV peak
incidence, should be considered. Comparing epidemiological data with
weather data may provide additional insight into the seasonality of RSV
infections.