Seasonality of respiratory syncytial virus in Buenos Aires. Relationship with global climate change.

Introduction. Global climate change circulation pattern respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We assessed whether RSV season has changed over the past 20 years and its correlation with mean annual temperature. Methods. Cross-sectional study that included records of RSV and temperatures from Buenos Aires (1995-2014). RSV season onset, offset and duration, and its correlation with mean annual temperature were described for each year. Results. A total of 8109 RSV infections were identified. The duration of RSV season reduced significantly (1995:29 weeks vs. 2014:17 weeks; R:0.6; p < 0.001) due to an early ending (1995: week 45 vs. 2014:week 33; R:0.6; p < 0.001). No correlation was observed between mean annual temperature and RSV season start, end and duration. Conclusion. Over the past 20 years, RSV season shortened significantly, but no correlation with temperature was observed.