[RSV infections: characteristics and prevention strategies]

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading pathogens causing lower respiratory tract infections in childhood, and it is also a significant factor of morbidity and mortality among older and immuno-compromised adults. Although RSV was already a well-known pathogen before the COVID–19 pandemic, the characteristics of the previously typical autumn–winter seasonal epidemics have significantly changed in recent years, placing a considerable additional burden on the healthcare system. Despite decades of research, no widely applicable preventive or therapeutic intervention has been available until now, and only recently have effective immunization strategies emerged that represent a breakthrough in preventing severe infection and its complications. This summary, based on a comprehensive literature review, provides an overview of the currently available vaccination armamentarium against RSV, with particular attention to the latest results, clinical trials, and practical questions of application, taking into account international guidelines and recommendations. Recent breakthroughs include a long-acting monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) and the development of maternal immunization, which aim to provide passive immunity for newborns. Additionally, several new RSV vaccines for older adults also show promising efficacy in preventing severe illness. These milestones represent a paradigm shift from a toolkit based on symptomatic treatment towards prevention. Therefore, it is particularly important that national health policy decision-makers promptly consider the expansion and long-term sustainable implementation of new RSV immunization strategies. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(35): 1362–1373.

Keywords: anyai immunizáció; humanized; humanizált monoklonális antitestek; immunoprophylaxis; immunprofilaxis; légúti óriássejtes vírus fertőzés; maternal immunization; monoclonal antibodies; respiratory syncytial virus infections; vaccines; vakcinák.