Respiratory syncytial virus burden among Ugandan adults aged ≥65 years: A 15-year sentinel surveillance study of prevalence, coinfections, and comorbidities (2010–2025)
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.
Authors
- Haruna Muwonge (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3964-2169)
- Joweria Nakaseegu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9864-0679)
- Barnabas Bakamutumaho (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4259-8509)
- John Kayiwa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1840-1801)
- Roselyne Akugizibwe (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0235-9722)
- Hassan Kasujja (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2025-1152)
- Joyce Namulondo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9427-9334)
- Mustafa Ssaka (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7063-1375)
- Levicatus Mugenyi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9423-2472)
- Bruce Kirenga (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2023-2840)
- Julius Lutwaama
- Godfrey S. Bbosa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6963-7892)
- Abdul Magala Ssekandi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9844-4245)
- Esther Amwine
- Bridget Nakamoga
- David Odongo
Institutions
- Islamic University in Uganda (UG)
- Malaria Consortium (UG)
- Clarke International University (UG)
- Makerere University (UG)
- Uganda Virus Research Institute (UG)
Publication Details
- Journal
- PLoS ONE
- Published
- 2026-03-13
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0333329
- Primary Topic
- Respiratory viral infections research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00