Respiratory syncytial virus burden among Ugandan adults aged ≥65 years: A 15-year sentinel surveillance study of prevalence, coinfections, and comorbidities (2010–2025)

Abstract

RSV is a consistent contributor to medically attended respiratory illness among older Ugandan adults, with prevalence similar to influenza A. Although strong associations with asthma and pneumonia were observed, asthma-related findings are based on few cases and should be considered hypothesis-generating. Seasonal clustering and post-pandemic resurgence support integrating respiratory syncytial virus into routine respiratory surveillance and inform the targeted introduction of preventive interventions, including vaccination, in low- and middle-income settings.