Prevention of Respiratory SyncytialBronchiolitis

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Published Jan 22, 2026
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v103i11.6382
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Vol. 103 No. 11 (2025): Tunis Med Nov 2025

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Jihene Bouguila
Department of Pediatrics Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse. Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Tunisia.
Salma Ben Ameur
Department of Pediatrics Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax. Faculty of Medicine, Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9251-0259
Khaled Mnif
Service de soins intensifs pédiatriques, Hôpital pour enfants Bechir Hamza à Tunis, Tunis, Faculté de médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisie
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2717-1964

Abstract

Acute bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospital admissions among infants worldwide and is associated with increased morbidity. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common causative agent and is often linked to a more severe and prolonged form than that caused by other viral agents. The annual outbreaks of bronchiolitis place substantial strain on pediatric emergency departments, hospital bed availability, and saturation of resuscitation beds. Most RSV bronchiolitis hospitalizations occur during the first three months of life in healthy term neonates. Management for RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease is mainly supportive.


Recent advancements in RSV prevention strategies have emerged, including the approval of two new effective options: a maternal vaccine (RSVpreF) and a long-acting monoclonal antibody (Nirsevimab).


The aim of this review is to screen recent literature and Tunisian data regarding RSV Bronchiolitis and summarize current evidence concerning knowledge and attitudes regarding RSV prevention strategies.

Keywords:

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Acute bronchiolitis, Children , Nirsevimab, Maternal RSV vaccine

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