# Pediatric respiratory syncytial virus infections associated with hospital airborne viral genetic load detection

## TL;DR

This study found RSV RNA in hospital air, especially during peak infection seasons, suggesting a potential link to aerosol transmission.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the potential of using airborne RSV RNA for environmental surveillance in healthcare settings.

## Key findings

- RSV RNA was detected in 35 of 200 aerosol samples with a median concentration of 1.8 gc/m³.
- During peak RSV season (November), 95% of aerosol samples contained RSV RNA.
- A correlation was observed between pediatric RSV cases and airborne RSV RNA concentration.

## Abstract

This study investigates the potential aerosol transmission of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a major cause of viral pneumonia and bronchiolitis in young children.

Two hundred samples were collected in a long-term environmental surveillance program from January 2022 until January 2023. Samples were collected in a pediatric emergency corridor. The analyses were performed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) targeting the RSV matrix gene. Information on the daily number of emergencies related with pediatric RSV infections was provided by the hospital.

Aerosol samples collected from a pediatric hospital corridor revealed detectable RSV RNA, particularly during peak infection seasons. RSV RNA was detected in 35 of 200 aerosol samples with a median concentration (interquartile range) of 1.8 (4.1) gc/m3. During the month of the peak season of RSV infections (November), RSV RNA was detected in 95% of the aerosol samples. Correlation analysis suggests a link between pediatric RSV cases and airborne RSV RNA concentration.

RSV RNA has been detected in aerosols in a healthcare setting, particularly during peak infection periods. This does not constitute evidence of transmission of the RSV via aerosols. However, the observed correlation with pediatric RSV cases suggests that further research on viral viability and infectivity from RSV detected in aerosols should be conducted. It also shows the potential of characterizing RSV RNA in aerosols for environmental surveillance purposes.