Objective To determine the subtypes and epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus （RSV） in children with acute respiratory infection in Huzhou area.
Methods A total of 1 856 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from child outpatients and inpatients in the First People’s Hospital of Huzhou from January 2017 to December 2019. RSV subtype A and B were detected by real-time fluorescence PCR. Clinical and demographic data of children were collected and analyzed.
Results The positive rate of RSV in the collected samples was determined to be 11.1% （206/1 856）， of which the positive rate of RSV-A was 6.6% （123/1 856） and that of RSV-B was 4.5% （83/1 856）. The positive rate of RSV in boys was significantly higher than that in girls （13.7% vs 8.3%，P<0.01）. The positive rate in different age groups showed a downward trend （P for trend <0.01）， with the highest rate in children under 1 year old ［19.8% （67/339）］. Common symptoms of children with RSV infection were fever and cough. The highest positive rate of RSV was 18.9% in winter， while the lowest was 4.2% in summer， demonstrating a significant seasonal pattern （P<0.01）. In addition， the positive rate of RSV-B was higher in 2017 ［7.6% （50/656）］， and that of RSV-A was higher in 2018 and 2019 ［7.7% （45/588）， 9.0% （55/612）］.
Conclusion Both subtypes of RSV are prevalent in children with acute respiratory infection in Huzhou area. Positive rate of RSV is higher in young children and in winter. It warrants strengthening the disease surveillance and prevention and control measures.
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