Academia VRS Academia VRS

Dr. Octavio Ramilo

Prof. Alberto Papi, University of Ferrara, Italy


Dive into the captivating realm of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) with the latest episode of the RSV Academy podcast. Hosted by Prof. Federico Martinon-Torres, this episode offers listeners an exclusive opportunity to gain insights from one of the leading figures in RSV research, Professor Alberto Papi from the University of Ferrara. Professor Papi's groundbreaking work, including his recent publication on the prefusion F Protein Candidate Vaccine (RSVPreF3 OA), has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of RSV, especially in the context of adult prevention.

In this episode, listeners will be treated to a deep dive into the significance of RSV in adults, comparing its impact to other respiratory diseases like the flu and understanding its clinical implications. The discussion also touches upon the intricate interactions of RSV with respiratory tract epithelial cells and the potential implications of these interactions for RSV infections.
Furthermore, Professor Papi shares his perspective on the recent pratical recommendations of regulatory agencies on RSV vaccines and offers invaluable advice to budding researchers in the field. Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone new to the world of RSV, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and insights.

Dra. Ann R. Falsey

Dra. Cristina Massuet

Dr. Louis Bont

Gaps and doubts about RSV knowledge
Prof. Harish Nair
Professor of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Co-Head of Centre for Global Health
University of Edinburgh
Scotland, UK

Welcome to a new episode of the RSV ACADEMY podcast, where explore the ever-evolving world of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). In this episode, we are honored to have Professor Harish Nair, a leading epidemiologist based at the University of Edinburgh, as our guest. With a career dedicated to understanding the epidemiology, burden, and prevention of RSV, Professor Nair's work has been instrumental in shaping global health policies. He has led several large collaborative projects like PROMISE, RESCEU, and RSV GEN and is a co-founder of ReSVinet.


In this enlightening conversation, we tackle some of the most pressing questions in RSV research. How many deaths does RSV actually cause each year? What is the true burden of RSV in older adults? Professor Nair shares groundbreaking insights from his recent studies, shedding light on the underestimated impact of RSV, particularly in older adults. We also explore the epidemiological gaps in our understanding of RSV, including its seasonality and the effects of co-infections.


One of the episode's highlights is the discussion on current country recommendations and positioning on RSV prophylaxis. Should it be seasonal or administered all year round? Is it all about cost-effectiveness? Professor Nair provides a nuanced perspective on these complex issues, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach based on regional epidemiology and healthcare system capacity.


As RSV vaccines become a reality, how can they be effectively integrated into the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI)? Professor Nair outlines the challenges and opportunities, from supply chain logistics to healthcare worker training and community engagement.


Finally, for young researchers entering this dynamic field, Professor Nair offers invaluable advice on focusing on areas with significant knowledge gaps to make impactful contributions.
Don't miss this episode filled with critical insights that promise to deepen your understanding of RSV, its global impact, and the future of its prevention and treatment. Stay tuned for more captivating discussions on RSV ACADEMY, your ultimate guide to the world of RSV.