Optimizing the sensitivity of detection of respiratory syncytial virus infections in longitudinal studies using the combination of weekly sample testing and biannual serology.

ABSTRACT: Cohort studies are often challenged by incomplete adherence to sampling regimens, limiting the full capture of disease burden. We describe the detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections achieved in a birth cohort using a combination of weekly nasal sample testing and serology. The PREVAIL Cohort followed 245 maternal-child dyads from birth to age 18-24 months. Weekly mid-turbinate nasal swabs were tested for RSV using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Serum was tested for RSV pre-fusion F IgG and IgA antibody at age 6 weeks and biannually from 6-24 months. Mixed effects classification and regression trees (CART) identified antibody thresholds consistent with a RT-qPCR-identified RSV infection using a subset of participants having ≥90% weekly sample adherence (n=

SUBMITTER: Conrey SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12767786 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature