Incidence rates of respiratory syncytial virus-associated lower respiratory tract illness (RSV-LRTI) in infants were assessed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as existing data was limited.
The study followed 2,094 infants from 10 LMICs over one year, using surveillance and testing to identify cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results indicated a low incidence of RSV-LRTI (1.5% of infants) and all-cause lower respiratory tract infections, likely influenced by reduced viral activity during the pandemic.