Prolonged viral shedding as a marker of severity in respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis

Abstract

Background and Objectives Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for most cases of acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) in childhood. The association of factors such as RSV subtype, viral load, and viral coinfection with severe disease is controversial. The objective is to describe the viral load dynamics of RSV in children under 2 years with AVB, including the first viral load, peak viral load, viral decay, and any possible association with severe disease.