How Often Does RSV Cause Outpatient COPD Exacerbations?

How often respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) triggers outpatient exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an interesting question, given the recent availability of an RSV vaccine. In this prospective cohort study from the U.K. and the Netherlands, researchers followed 377 patients with COPD to determine the frequency and severity of outpatient RSV-related COPD exacerbations compared with exacerbations that were triggered by other infections. Patients were recruited and monitored during 3 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; 303 patients completed follow-up.

Among 310 COPD exacerbations, 9% were caused by RSV detected by RT-PCR or a fourfold rise in serologic titer. Other common infective agents included rhinovirus, in…