Work

Epidemiological dynamics of respiratory tract infections in a major northern coastal city (Dalian), China, following the COVID-19 pandemic

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: To elucidate the epidemiological characteristics, including population distribution, temporal patterns, and co-infection rates, of major respiratory pathogens circulating in China to provide evidence for precision prevention and clinical management of respiratory tract infections (RTIs). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed nucleic acid test (NAT) data from 15,426 RTI patients at a university hospital in Dalian, China, between January 2023 and December 2024. Six key pathogens were assayed: Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), influenza A/B (Flu A/B), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (ADV), and human rhinovirus (HRV). Positivity rates and seasonal patterns were statistically compared across different genders and age cohorts. RESULTS: The overall pathogen positivity rate was 27.9%. MP (10.5%) and Flu A (7.3%) were the predominant causative agents. The overall positivity rate was significantly higher in females than males (29.3% vs. 26.7%; p = 0.022), and detection rates for MP, Flu A, and HRV also showed gender-specific differences (p < 0.05). The highest positivity rate was observed in the children’s group (1–12 years, 80.0%), with MP being the most dominant pathogen (51.3%). Conversely, Flu A predominated in adults and the elderly. Seasonal analysis revealed a “high in winter and low in summer” pattern overall. Flu A and RSV peaked during winter, while MP exhibited an atypical biannual peak in autumn. Co-infections were detected in 2.2% of patients. Among co-infected patients (n = 334), the most frequently observed patterns being Flu A/MP (15%) and HRV/MP (14%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of major respiratory pathogens in China demonstrates significant variations across age, gender, and seasonal dimensions. MP and Flu A are the primary etiological agents. These findings advocate for strengthened seasonal surveillance and targeted strategies, specifically focusing on MP in pediatric populations and Flu A in adults and the elderly, with intensive monitoring of Flu A and RSV during autumn and winter.

Source: BMC Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1186/s12879-026-13103-1

Authors: Chong Wang, Lin Lin

Institutions: Dalian Medical University, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University

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: $3,090