RSV in Adults: Measuring the Impact-GSK RSV Webinar

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video transcript, Dr. Megan Conroy and Dr. Kelly Pennington discuss the impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in adults, particularly in immunocompromised patients. They highlight the pathophysiology of RSV and its ability to cause significant respiratory infections. RSV can infect the ciliated apical respiratory epithelium cells and lead to the fusion of infected cells with neighboring uninfected cells, causing a syncytium formation. The virus can infect any conducting airway, leading to damage of the airway lining and subsequent obstruction, especially in smaller airways. RSV can cause a range of respiratory symptoms in adults, from upper respiratory tract infections to severe lower respiratory tract infections like viral pneumonia. The severity of RSV infections is higher in immunocompromised patients, such as those with lung or bone marrow transplants, and those with underlying cardiopulmonary disease. RSV infections can lead to hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality in these populations. The incidence of RSV in adults is estimated to be 4-10%, and it is responsible for a significant number of hospitalizations and deaths each year, particularly among those over the age of 65. The presence of comorbidities like congestive heart failure increases the risk of hospitalization and severe disease due to RSV. Overall, RSV is a significant public health concern in the adult population, and there is a need for targeted prevention strategies and treatment options.

Keywords

respiratory syncytial virus

RSV infections

adults

immunocompromised patients

respiratory symptoms

lower respiratory tract infections

hospitalization

prevention strategies