Respiratory syncytial virus: Immunisation and prophylaxis
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the second most common cause of mortality in infants worldwide after malaria and the leading cause of hospitalisation in infants in many countries. It is also associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality in older adults (those over 60 years of age). The...
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| Format: | Journal article |
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Wiley
2018
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| Summary: | Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the second most common cause of mortality in infants worldwide after malaria and the leading cause of hospitalisation in infants in many countries. It is also associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality in older adults (those over 60 years of age). These high levels of healthcare utilisation result in huge associated healthcare costs. As such the development of an RSV vaccine is listed as a leading global priority by the World Health Organisation (WHO). There is a monoclonal antibody (palivizumab) licensed to prevent RSV infection, but it is only used in high income countries for the most high-risk infants due to its very high cost. The development of an RSV vaccine/prophylactic agent has been hampered by an incomplete understanding of the immunopathogenesis of RSV infection, although many are currently undergoing clinical trials. Adding a new vaccine to existing vaccine schedules will also present many challenges. |
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