Respiratory syncytial virus: seasonal data for regions of Florida and implications for palivizumab.
BACKGROUND
The aims of this study are to define the length of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season throughout Florida and evaluate the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines on the administration of palivizumab in light of the Florida data.


METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed four seasons of monthly RSV surveillance data housed on the Florida Department of Health website for regional trends in RSV outbreaks.


RESULTS
RSV circulated year round in Florida, with December being the peak month for RSV activity statewide. Regional virology data showed consistent patterns throughout the observation period, and all regions experienced widespread RSV activity for at least seven months of the year. The southeast region experienced the longest RSV seasons (10-12 mo), with year round outbreaks observed during 2000 to 2001 and 2001 to 2002.


CONCLUSIONS
Local RSV surveillance provides meaningful data to guide decisions on the administration of palivizumab. Reliance on current AAP guidelines for RSV prophylaxis would result in under-protection of at-risk children in all regions within the state of Florida.
Bauman
Jay
J
Scientific and Technical Evaluation of Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Raleigh, NC, USA.
Eggleston
Mark
M
Oquist
Niki
N
Malinoski
Frank
F
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive / Q000379:methods*; D007223:Infant; D000069455:Palivizumab; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000276:immunology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons; D018571:Sentinel Surveillance
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000069455:Palivizumab