Circulation of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Morocco during 2014-2016: Findings from a sentinel-based virological surveillance system for influenza

ABSTRACT

Respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in young infants, little was known on its circulation types and patterns in Morocco. We conducted a prospective study using sentinel-based influenza surveillance to detect RSV by real time PCR in patients with acute respiratory infections, enrolled during two seasons [2014/15, 2015/16]. During September 2014-April 2016, we obtained 1450 specimens, of which 267 [18.4%] tested positive for RSV. The proportion of positive RSV infection was higher in patients hospitalized with acute respiratory infection compared to those with mild symptoms in out-patient clinics. The proportion of RSV infection was highest in children aged 0-6 months [45%; P < 0.001]. Higher positivity rate was observed between months of December and March. RSV remains important viral etiological agent causing influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infections especially among infants in Morocco. Further surveillance, is required to understand better the risk factors of RSV infections