Studying Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection and Its Effects in Children Under 2 Years in Ho Chi Minh City Healthcare Centers from 2026 to 2028

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a prospective, observational study across multiple centers to investigate respiratory syncytial virus RSV infection in children under 24 months old with acute respiratory infections ARI. The study aims to understand RSV epidemiology, seasonal patterns, and clinical burden over two epidemiological seasons in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It includes children presenting with symptoms like cough, sore throat, fever, or breathing difficulties, using an operational definition of ARI. Participants will receive standard medical care for their respiratory infections without changes from the study. Nasopharyngeal or mid-turbinate nasal swabs will be collected for RSV testing using RT-PCR, with positive samples undergoing whole genome sequencing to identify viral subgroups and genotypes. The study will run from May 2026 to May 2028, covering two rainy seasons and capturing seasonal variation in RSV circulation. Parents or legal representatives will provide detailed information on demographics, medical and immunization history, household environment, and economic impact. Follow-up will occur one month after the visit or discharge via phone to assess health status and family costs. Researchers will measure RSV positivity rates, seasonal patterns, clinical burden, genomic data, and direct medical costs throughout the study period.

Epidemiological Characteristics and Clinical Burden of RSV Infection in Children Under 24 Months in Ho Chi Minh City (2026-2028)