Infection With Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Infants

IRIS (Infection with RespIratory Syncytial Virus) is an observational, multi-center study enrolling infants with severe RSV infection and healthy controls. Inclusion criteria are age below two years and hospitalization due to RSV infection at three German sites. Exclusion criteria are premature birth, congenital or acquired bronchopulmonary or cardiac diseases, and immunodeficiency. Blood and respiratory specimens are collected upon admission, and RSV and other pathogens are analyzed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Further biomaterials including plasma, nasal lining fluid, blood cells, DNA, and RNA specimens are sampled in a dedicated biobank. Detailed information on demographic characteristics and medical history is recorded, as well as comprehensive clinical data including vital signs, medication, and interventions.