AI Insight
This genomic surveillance study analyzed 910 whole-genome RSV sequences collected from all age groups in Connecticut, revealing that children aged 12-35 months are the primary drivers of RSV transmission to other age groups, including the most vulnerable populations. The study also found that RSV enters communities through multiple frequent and independent introductions from other US regions throughout the year, rather than through a single seasonal outbreak or sustained local persistence. These findings challenge assumptions about RSV transmission dynamics and have direct implications for how prevention strategies should be designed.
Why it matters
Current RSV immunization strategies focus primarily on protecting infants and older adults from severe disease, but these findings suggest that targeting toddlers aged 12-35 months as a transmission source could more effectively disrupt population-level spread. This could justify expanding vaccination or prophylactic programs to include young children not currently prioritized, potentially reducing overall community transmission.
⚠️ Preprint – Noch nicht peer-reviewed
Dieser Artikel wurde noch nicht von unabhängigen Experten begutachtet. Die Ergebnisse sind vorläufig und sollten mit Vorsicht interpretiert werden.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disproportionately causes severe infections among infants and older adults, yet the key age group responsible for viral spread to other age groups remains poorly defined. While current immunization approaches effectively reduce disease severity among the most vulnerable, identifying the core drivers of infection is essential to effectively disrupt population-level transmission. By generating 910 whole-genome viral sequences of RSV from all age groups (<1 to 65+ years) in Connecticut, we identified that children aged 12-35 months are the primary drivers of viral transmission to other age groups. This group significantly shapes the genetic diversity of circulating strains. Furthermore, we found that RSV is introduced into the community through frequent and independent entries from other US regions throughout the year, rather than through a single explosive seasonal introduction or long-term local persistence. Ultimately, our findings justify prevention strategies that expand beyond reducing disease burden to actively prioritizing the reduction of transmission and infection.