Work

Detection of Respiratory Viruses Other Than SARS‐CoV‐2 in a Large Hospital Laboratory in Rome, Italy, During the Seasons 2016–2017 to 2022–2023

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Respiratory viruses are major contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide, with their circulation influenced by seasonal patterns and pandemic-related interventions. This study analyzed detection trends of non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses in a large Italian hospital over a 7-year period, focusing on variations across COVID-19-related periods and patient age groups. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed multiplex PCR-based laboratory results of 8836 nasopharyngeal samples collected between September 2016 and August 2023. Viral detection rates were stratified by season, COVID-19-related periods (pre-pandemic, pandemic, post-pandemic), and age groups. RESULTS: Of the 8836 nasopharyngeal samples analyzed, 2795 (31.6%) tested positive for at least one respiratory virus. Rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV) was the most frequently detected virus (37.6%), followed by influenza A virus (IAV, 17.9%) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 17.2%). The 2020-2021 season had the lowest positivity rate (p < 0.001), with marked declines in IAV and RSV detections, likely because of COVID-19 mitigation measures. Conversely, detections of RV/EV and human coronaviruses increased. Postpandemic data suggested a return to prepandemic patterns, though overall positivity rates remained altered. Age-stratified analysis revealed RSV predominance in infants (p < 0.001), emphasizing its clinical relevance in pediatric populations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the dynamic nature of respiratory virus epidemiology and the persistent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on viral circulation. Continuous surveillance and adaptive public health strategies are essential for managing future outbreaks and mitigating the burden of respiratory viral infections.

Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses

DOI: 10.1111/irv.70079

Authors: Flora Marzia Liotti, Simona Marchetti, Sara D'Onghia, Maurizio Sanguinetti, Rosaria Santangelo, Brunella Posteraro

Institutions: Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Language: English

Topic: Respiratory viral infections research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,840