3^rd Edition of Infectious Diseases World Conference 2026

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of pediatric acute lower respiratory infections in The Gambia, yet effective management remains lacking. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the RSV landscape in The Gambia to inform actionable predictive, preventive, personalized medicine (3PM) strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted across five major healthcare facilities. A patient cohort (n=427) with acute respiratory infection provided virological and personal factor data, while a healthcare worker (HCW) cohort (n=490) was surveyed on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding RSV. Logistic regression identified risk factors for RSV infection. Results showed that RSV was the most prevalent virus (19.4%) in children under five. Critical HCW knowledge gaps were identified: 85.1% had poor knowledge, 82.2% had received no formal RSV training, only 33.7% requested laboratory confirmation, 87.6% did not use masking, and only 11% had prescribed monoclonal antibodies (e.g., nirsevimab) for RSV prophylaxis – reflecting that such advanced prophylactics are not yet routinely available in The Gambia. Young age (0-5 years) and larger household size were independent risk factors for RSV, while mask-wearing was a significant protective factor. This study reveals high RSV prevalence, low community prevention, and critical healthcare system gaps. Implementing 3PM; through predictive risk identification, preventive measures like targeted masking and vaccination, and personalized prophylactic strategies, offers an effective pathway to improve overall RSV management in The Gambia.