E is for Evidence: RSV With and Without Testing | The A-Z of RSV

When is clinical assessment enough to recognise RSV, and when does diagnostic testing make a meaningful difference? In this episode of The A–Z of RSV, host Natalie Mazur speaks with Ziyaad Dangor and Ashish Satav about the role of diagnostics in RSV and how approaches to diagnosis differ across healthcare settings. Drawing on clinical and research experience from South Africa and rural India, the discussion explores how RSV may be recognised based on clinical presentation when testing is unavailable or unnecessary, and the challenges clinicians face when symptoms overlap with other respiratory illnesses. The conversation also examines access to RSV diagnostics, the role of rapid molecular testing, and whether knowing that a patient has RSV can influence clinical decision-making. Beyond the individual patient, Natalie, Ziyaad and Ashish discuss the wider value of testing for antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance, infection control, disease-burden estimates and health policy. The episode highlights an important reality: the value and feasibility of RSV testing can look very different depending on the healthcare setting and the resources available. The A–Z of RSV is a ReSViNET podcast series exploring RSV from A to Z with researchers, clinicians and experts from around the world. Stay up to date with the podcast series by subscribing to the RSV newsletter: https://resvinet.org/sign-up-newsletter/ For more information about ReSViNET, go to www.resvinet.org. This podcast episode is supported by GSK. Guests on this podcast are invited for their expertise and experience. Any views, opinions, or interpretations expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the ReSViNET Foundation, the podcast producers, their employers, or any affiliated organisations. Discussions are intended to support education and informed debate based on current evidence and scientific understanding. The content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be regarded as official guidance, organisational policy, or professional advice.