RSV intra-host genetic diversity in adults during the epidemic of spring 2021, France

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for lower respiratory tract infections associated to severe prognostic mainly in infants, elderly and immunocompromised adults. France and other countries of the northern hemisphere have been seeing a massive reduction of RSV infections during the winter months of 2020-2021. Here, using a systematic RSV detection coupled to SARS-CoV-2 for all patients admitted in intensive care unit at Foch hospital (Suresnes, France) in May 2021, we characterized eight adult patients presenting severe RSV pneumonia. Whole-genome sequencing was performed to explore RSV intra-host genetic diversity.