Epidemiological changes in Chlamydia pneumoniae molecular detections before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in 27 European sites and Taiwan, 2018 to 2023
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as social distancing, lockdowns and enhanced hygiene led to a decrease in respiratory pathogens. However, as NPIs were relaxed, a resurgence in several respiratory pathogens was observed including one local Chlamydia pneumoniae outbreak in Switzerland, prompting the need for a better understanding of C. pneumoniae epidemiology. Aim To assess temporal and geographical variations in C. pneumoniae detection before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Data on C. pneumoniae PCR detection ratios (number of positive tests/ total number of tests) across pre-pandemic (2018–2019), pandemic (2020–2022) and post-pandemic (2023) periods were collected via a global survey disseminated through various professional networks. Results C. pneumoniae detection ratios were analysed across 28 sites (27 in Europe, one in Taiwan) in 2023 (Dataset A, n = 172,223 tests) and 20 sites from 2018 to 2023 (Dataset B, n = 693,106 tests). Twenty-seven sites were laboratories (hospital or clinical) and one a surveillance system (Denmark). A significant decrease in detection ratios was observed during the pandemic period (from 1.05% to 0.23%, p < 0.001). In 2023, detection ratios increased to 0.28% (p < 0.002). Notable regional variations were found, with statistically significant increases in detection ratios at six sites located in Switzerland and Slovenia, where ratios ranged from 0.52% to 3.25%. Discussion The study highlights how NPIs influenced C. pneumoniae epidemiology, with reduced detection during the pandemic and partial resurgence afterwards. Regional variations suggest differing NPI impacts and underscore the need for continued surveillance.
Source: Eurosurveillance
Authors: Florian Tagini, Søren Anker Uldum, Carla Berengua, Branislav Ivan, Riccarda Capaul, Sophie Edouard, Adrien Fischer, Jacky Flipse, Diego García Martínez de Artola, Daniel Goldenberger, Edou Heddema, Mirjam Hermans, Frank Imkamp, Darja Keše, Clara Lejarraga, Reto Lienhard, Carola Maffioli, Veerle Matheeussen, Patrick M Meyer Sauteur, Irena Mitrovic, Onya Opota, Christina Orasch, Pavel Drevinek, Olivia Peuchant, Liu Po-Yu, Mirja Puolakkainen, Melissa Remy, Khoa TD Thai, Nadia Wohlwend, Gilbert Greub, on behalf of the ESCMID Study Group for Mycoplasma and Chlamydia infections (ESGMAC)
Institutions: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Statens Serum Institut, Hospital de Sant Pau, University Hospital of Basel, Kantonsspital Graubünden, Méditerranée Infection Foundation, University Hospital of Geneva, Rijnstate Hospital, Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, Zuyderland Medisch Centrum, Jeroen Bosch Ziekenhuis, University of Zurich, University of Ljubljana, ADMED (Switzerland), Antwerp University Hospital, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Luzerner Kantonsspital, University Hospital in Motol, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital, Labormedizinische Zentrum Dr Risch (Switzerland)
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411284048