Frequency of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Among Patients Hospitalized for Influenza-like Diseases and its Impact on Mortality: Prospective, Multi-center Real Life Results

Introduction: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is among the major causes of severe mortality and morbidity in both children and adults worldwide. This study aimed at demonstrating the course of RSV in our country. Materials and Methods: Simultaneous RSV surveillance was implemented within the scope of Global Influenza Hospital Surveillance Network in Ankara in the season of 2016-2017. Results: A total of 917 cases were included into the study, and RSV polymerase chain reaction was positive in 145 patients (15.8%). Among the RSV positive cases, 132 were under five years old and 13 were over five. There was no underlying disease in 86.3% of the cases under five years of age, and the most common underlying disease was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the five years and older group. While 9.8% of the cases under the age of five was admitted to the intensive care unit, only one case out of 13 patients over the age of five was admitted to the intensive care unit. Although the rate of infection was higher among children under five years of age, there was one mortal case in this group, while one of two patients older than 65 years died in the group over the age of five. Conclusion: In our country, clinical and epidemiological data have great importance for the prevention of mortality and morbidity associated with RSV infections, and extensive surveillance studies are needed.