Loss of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Antibody Functions During the Peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic Mitigation Measures

Studies have linked respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibody-mediated phagocytosis and complement deposition to severe RSV infection in humans. This study shows waning of these antibody functions in women of childbearing age in 2020-2021 during the implementation of COVID-19 mitigation measures, in absence of RSV circulation. These functions could be explored as correlates of protection against severe RSV disease. The waning of phagocytic and complement-mediated antibody functions associated with protection from severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in humans, in the absence of viral circulation during the peak of implementation of COVID-19 mitigation measures in 2020-2021 indicate that these functions could be explored as correlates of protection against severe RSV disease.

Automated summary

This study reveals the decline of antibody functions against RSV in women of childbearing age during the implementation of COVID-19 measures without RSV circulation. These functions could serve as correlates of protection against severe RSV disease.