Vaccinating children younger than age 5 is the most efficient and effective way to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in both children and older adults, according to a study co-authored by Le Bonheur Children's Hospital’s John DeVincenzo, MD.

The study was published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. A transmission model was used to evaluate the age-stratified population effectiveness of a vaccination program in the United States. The model integrated data on daily infectious viral load and behavior changes while symptomatic – the two main drivers of RSV transmission.

Findings showed that children are disproportionately responsible for transmission due to higher viral loads, longer durations of infection and greater frequency and duration of contacts.

RSV is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections worldwide and a leading cause of infant hospitalization. The World Health Organization estimates a vaccine will be available in the next 5 to 10 years.

DeVincenzo is Medical Director of Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics and Virology Lab at Le Bonheur.  He also is Professor of Pediatrics, Professor of Molecular Sciences, Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry; and Instructor, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

DeVincenzo's research has focused on understanding the pathogenesis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in children and using this understanding to develop therapeutic and prevention strategies against this virus. He is the author of more than 150 original published abstracts and papers on this subject.