Epidemiological aspects of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections inItaly: a national survey

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory infection s such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia in babies and children, producing ser ious infections and short- to medium-term complications. We conducted a sur vey, using a questionnaire, to determine the opinions of paediatricians on the geographical and seasonal distribution, and the clinical impact of RSV in Italy. Of the 344 paediatricians who responded, 66% had admitted childre n affected by RSV into their department, and 38% of these had admitted more than 10 cases during the preceding year. According to those interviewed, n ewborn babies of lowest gestational age were most often affected. The child ren considered to be at highest risk of severe infection were those with br onchodysplasia, immunodeficiencies or congenital heart disease; most admiss ions (87%) were attributed to bronchiolitis. In southern Italy and the isla nds RSV appeared later and persisted later into the year than in central an d northern Italy. Most paediatricians (79%) considered the available treatm ents for serious RSV ineffective but only half were aware of the possibilit y of immunoprophylaxis against RSV.