Hospitalisation trends from 2019 to 2023 illustrate the persistent resurgence of bronchiolitis in Italy

Abstract

Hospitalisation trends from 2019 to 2023 illustrate the persistent resurgence of bronchiolitis in ItalyBronchiolitis is a common viral infection of the lower respiratory tract and the main reason why infants are hospitalised in highincome countries. 1 The primary aetiological agent involved in bronchiolitis is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is responsible for 60%-80% of hospitalised cases. 2 The COVID-19 pandemic, and associated non-pharmacological interventions, have had a wide impact on the epidemiology of bronchiolitis and this has led to extreme modifications of its seasonal pattern. 3 There is a critical need to anticipate how the virus circulates, so that hospital resources can be planned and immunoprophylaxis measures can be implemented.However, there has been a lack of literature focusing on the 2022-2023 winter season.