Abstract
Background
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in high-risk individuals. The recent introduction of vaccines and prophylactic monoclonal antibodies is expected to reduce the clinical and public health impact of RSV but may also create selective pressure for immune escape among circulating viruses.
Methods
We evaluated clinical and demographic data from 183 adult patients who presented to Emory University Hospital between September 21, 2024, and March 26, 2025. We collected residual upper respiratory swab samples and performed subgroup-specific RT-PCR followed by viral whole-genome sequencing using the xGen™ Respiratory Virus Amplicon Panel and phylogenetic analyses using Nextstrain.
Results
Among 183 adult patients, the median age was 61 (range: 18–99), and 69.5% were female. Most patients (97.8%) were symptomatic; 12.9% were hospitalized, 2.2% required ICU care, and 2.8% died. Of 83 vaccine-eligible patients, only 17 (20.5%) had been vaccinated. RT-PCR identified 84 RSV-A and 91 RSV-B infections. Fever was more common in RSV-B (76% vs. 61%, p = 0.05); other outcomes were similar. Viral whole-genome sequencing achieved >95% coverage in 108 samples (60%). RSV-A sequences exhibited high clade and lineage diversity. The majority (35%) belonged to lineage A.D.3.1, a descendant of clade A.D.3, while other sequences were distributed across clades and lineages including A.D.1, A.D.1.5, A.D.1.6, A.D.3, and A.D.5.2, each representing 5–25% of cases. RSV-B sequences were predominantly from lineage B.D.E.1 (55%), a major lineage within clade B.D.E, with additional lineages including B.D.4.1, B.D.4.1.1, B.D.E.1.4, and B.D.E.5 detected in 5–20% of samples. Ongoing analyses will examine clinical and viral genomic differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Conclusion
This study revealed substantial genetic diversity in circulating RSV strains and highlighted low vaccine uptake among eligible individuals. These findings underscore the ongoing need for viral genomic surveillance to monitor emerging variants and guide public health strategies as preventive measures become more common.
Disclosures
Anne Piantadosi, MD, PhD, Delve Bio: Advisor/Consultant|Delve Bio: Board Member