Study on Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Ear Infections in Children Under 2 Years Using Rapid Tests in Outpatient Settings

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV infections in young children under 2 years old in outpatient settings. The study aims to strengthen surveillance of lower respiratory tract infections LRTI by adding laboratory testing for RSV, Influenza, and SARS-CoV-2, and by following the patient journey for five years after their first medical visit. It also reviews electronic data from three previous seasons to understand the impact of RSV-related LRTI before enhanced surveillance began. The study involves children presenting with acute otitis media, with or without bronchiolitis, who undergo rapid antigen diagnostic testing using nasopharyngeal swabs for RSV, Influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. Two groups are included one with otitis media associated with bronchiolitis, and another with otitis media without bronchiolitis. The study is observational and non-randomized, focusing on outpatient pediatric care. Participants will be assessed at enrollment and followed up at 15 days and six months to document patient care pathways, quality of life scores, and socioeconomic impacts such as parental work absenteeism. Researchers will collect demographic and clinical data, monitor the frequency of otitis media with or without bronchiolitis due to RSV, and evaluate the proportion of cases attributable to RSV and SARS-CoV-2. The total participation period includes initial testing and follow-up assessments to understand long-term outcomes.

RSV Burden in Outpatient and Hospital Settings