Abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus （RSV） is one of the leading pathogens responsible for acute lower respiratory infections （ALRTI） in children under five years old worldwide. ALRTI caused by RSV infection not only poses significant short-term health risks to infants but is also associated with the future development of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This review comprehensively discusses the epidemiological characteristics of RSV infection， its long-term impact on respiratory health， and the underlying mechanisms. It aims to provide insights into the broad health effects， substantial economic burden， and challenges to public health systems posed by RSV infection， thereby offering a reference for the development of proactive and effective prevention and control strategies.

Key words: respiratory syncytial virus, infants, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, economic burden

摘要： 呼吸道合胞病毒（respiratory syncytial virus，RSV）是全球5岁以下儿童急性下呼吸道感染（acute lower respiratory infection，ALRTI）的主要病原体之一。RSV感染所致ALRTI不仅可对婴幼儿造成严重的短期健康风险，还与未来哮喘和慢性阻塞性肺病的发生相关。文章全面阐述了RSV感染的流行病学特征、对儿童呼吸系统的长期影响以及相关机制，以期为更好地理解RSV感染带来的广泛健康影响、沉重的经济负担及对公共卫生系统构成的挑战，并制定积极有效的防控策略提供参考。

关键词: 呼吸道合胞病毒, 婴幼儿, 哮喘, 慢性阻塞性肺病, 经济负担