Determining the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in pediatric population at KMC, Manipal, Karnataka

This study involves collecting 100 biological samples [Nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, nasal swab in Viral Transport Medium (VTM)]. The study population includes symptomatic children under the age of five with Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI)/Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI)/Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI) attending the Pediatric Department at KMC hospital, Manipal. With the samples collected, an extraction process will be carried out followed by the detection of RSV-specific RNA using real-time RT-PCR, semi-nested conventional PCR, Sanger Sequencing, and Phylogenetic analysis of the strains. All the procedures mentioned will be performed at the laboratory of the Manipal Institute of Virology with good laboratory practice following all biosafety protocols. The genotyping study of RSV will give information on the currently circulating genotypes, their prevalence, and distribution patterns in the selected study population during the study period. The data obtained from this study will be informative for better diagnostic approaches and future surveillance of RSV. These findings will contribute to our understanding of the burden of RSV infection in this population.