Burden Estimation and Seasonality of Respiratory Syncytial Virus among Hospitalized Children in Kashmir, Northern India

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of acute lower respiratory infections in children under 5 years, but data on its epidemiology in this region are limited. Objectives: We studied the burden and seasonality of RSV among hospitalized children aged <5 years in Kashmir, Northern India. Materials and Methods: Nasopharyngeal secretions were collected from children <5 years of age hospitalized with acute respiratory tract infections and were tested for RSV A and B using multiplex RT-polymerase chain reaction. Demographic and seasonal details were recorded. Results: The overall positivity of RSV was 31.8%, with RSV A accounting for 30.3% and RSV B for 1.5%. The positivity was significantly higher in children <1 year of age (41.8%), in those from urban areas (43.8%), and in the winter season (46.77%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated higher RSV-associated infections among hospitalized children (<5 years) in this region.