Respiratory Syncytial Virus Positivity Rate and Clinical Characteristics Amongst Children Under 5 Years of Age at the Emergency and Outpatient Settings in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Journal article

BackgroundAcute viral respiratory infections are a major cause of morbidity among young children, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the leading pathogen. In Jordan and globally, most RSV research has focused on hospitalized patients, while data from emergency departments (EDs) and outpatient settings remain limited.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at two major Jordanian hospitals between November 2022 and March 2023. Children under five years of age presenting to EDs or outpatient clinics with symptoms of acute respiratory infection were enrolled. Nasopharyngeal specimens were tested for RSV, and subtypes (RSV-A and RSV-B) were identified using multiplex RT-PCR.ResultsOf 229 enrolled children, 92 (40.2%) tested positive for RSV, with RSV-B accounting for 81.5% of positive cases. RSV positivity was higher in ED presentations than in outpatient clinics (46% vs. 35%). Wheezing (72.8% vs. 39.4%, p < 0.001) and dyspnea (33.7% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.001) were significantly more frequent among RSV-positive patients. Independent predictors of RSV positivity included non-referred outpatient visits (OR = 15.26), non-referred ED visits (OR = 42.93), younger age, and prior systemic steroid use.ConclusionsRSV poses a substantial burden in outpatient and ED settings. Identified demographic and clinical predictors may help target high-risk groups for future preventive interventions.

Authors: Abu-Helalah, M; Al-Shatnawi, SF; Abu Lubad, M; Al-Zayadneh, E; Al-Hanaktah, M

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: MDPI
• Journal: Viruses
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 133
• Publication date: 2026-01-20
• Acceptance date: 2026-01-17
• DOI: 10.3390/v18010133
• EISSN: 1999-4915
• ISSN: 1999-4915
• Pmid: 41600894
• Language: English
• Keywords: RSV; Epidemiological; Emergency; Jordan; Pediatrics; Clinical; Outpatients