Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in infants, young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. RSV is associated with high rates of hospitalization and significant morbidity and mortality in these vulnerable populations. Early and accurate diagnosis of RSV is essential for initiating appropriate antiviral and supportive therapies, which can mitigate the severity of the disease and reduce the risk of complications. Timely diagnosis also helps in the implementation of infection control measures to prevent the spread of RSV in healthcare settings and among high-risk groups.

T-cell responses are essential for the clearance of RSV and for protection against reinfection. ELISpot assays can measure RSV-specific T-cell responses by detecting cytokine production in response to peptides covering the main epitopes derived from RSV antigens. Research has shown that strong RSV-specific T-cell responses are associated with better clinical outcomes and lower risk of severe disease, highlighting the importance of monitoring cellular immunity in managing RSV infections.