Respiratory Viral Infections in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Patients

Respiratory viral infections (RVIs) are the most frequent type of infection in the pediatric population, and are identified in up to 57% of episodes of febrile neutropenia (FN). Nevertheless, they are frequently overlooked and have been historically considered inconsequential in infection treatment strategies for FN patients. Over the past two decades, a rekindled interest has provided insights into the epidemiology and clinical impact of RVIs in FN settings. This, along with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and its impact on molecular testing, as well as breakthroughs in immunology host-pathogen interactions, has set up the stage for re-instating the debate on RVIs role in FN.