Burden of respiratory syncytial virus in older adults in Taiwan: An expert perspective on knowledge gaps

Abstract

The burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection among older adults in Taiwan is not well understood due to a scarcity of published epidemiological data. Nonetheless, the increasing proportion of older adults is anticipated to translate to increased burden of RSV infection, presenting a challenge to the healthcare system. Thus, an expert meeting was convened among a panel of infectious disease specialists from Taiwan to evaluate the existing local evidence and data gaps related to RSV infection in older adults (aged ≥50 years), and propose steps to generating evidence on disease burden among this population. Overall, there are few studies on the clinical and economic burden of RSV infection in Taiwan, and existing data are limited by small sample sizes and highly selected populations. Inconsistent RSV testing practices among older adults contribute to under-diagnosis and under-reporting, driven by limitations to reimbursement policies that discourage proactive RSV testing in older adults, and the lack of appropriate, targeted RSV treatment. Crucially, the paucity of epidemiological data may perpetuate a lack of awareness of RSV among clinicians and the public, hinder investments into RSV testing at a policymaker level, and thereby impede implementation of consistent diagnostic practices, precluding a deeper understanding of RSV. To overcome these challenges, it is imperative to prioritize generation of epidemiological data to establish the burden of RSV infection among older adults in Taiwan. Such data would also support a multi-stakeholder group in assessing the impact of future RSV-related interventions, such as educational initiatives and preventative strategies including vaccines.

Keywords

• Respiratory syncytial virus
• Taiwan
• Older adults
• Disease burden
• Acute respiratory infection
• Epidemiology