Seroprevalence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus among Rural Population: Insights into Infection Rates and Immune Status: Pilot Study

Abstract

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a significant cause of respiratory tract infections, particularly affecting infants, young children, and immunocompromised individuals, with a substantial global burden of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of RSV among a rural population in Karad Taluka, India, an area where RSV data is scarce due to its predominantly urban focus. Ethical approval was obtained, and written informed consent was collected from participants' parents or legal guardians Blood samples were collected from individuals aged 16 months to 5 years residing in rural areas, and IgM RSV-specific antibodies were detected to identify recent infections using SERION enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, demographic information and clinical history were collected through a structured questionnaire. The data were entered into an electronic database, and seroprevalence was calculated based on the proportion of individuals with positive serological results. The study revealed that by the age of 3 years, 81.0% of children exhibited IgM seropositivity to RSV, with a cumulative seroprevalence of 72% in the entire study population. The seroprevalence varied with age, demonstrating an ongoing RSV activity within the community, as evidenced by the high IgM positivity. However, as children grew older, a decline in IgM positivity was observed, possibly due to protective antibodies developed from previous exposures or a longer time elapsed between RSV exposure and sample collection in older children. These findings underscore the vulnerability of young infants to RSV and the need for early protection in India. It highlights the importance of considering timing and age-appropriate administration of RSV vaccines in vaccination strategies, as well as the potential limitations of maternal immunization in protecting preterm infants. Understanding RSV seroprevalence in rural areas is crucial for guiding public health interventions and resource allocation to mitigate the impact of this virus on vulnerable populations, particularly young children who are at the highest risk.