scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on other respiratory virus outbreaks

Author(s):  
Sujin Yum ◽  
Kwan Hong ◽  
Jeehyun Kim ◽  
Byung Chul Chun

Abstract The preventive measures to control the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic could affect other virus outbreaks. However, any changes in their incidence have not been evaluated. This study aimed to determine how the COVID-19 management policy has influenced the positive rates of other respiratory viruses. We collected data from the weekly reports of Korea Influenza and Respiratory Viruses Surveillance System on eight targeted viruses—adenovirus, human bocavirus, human coronavirus, human metapneumovirus, human rhinovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus—from weeks 1 to 18 per year for the past 10 years. We compared the mean of each week in 2020 with the past 10 years using paired t-test. The study period was divided based on the date of the first COVID-19 case in South Korea (before: weeks 1–4; after: weeks 5–18). The overall positive rate of the respiratory viral infection was 38.7% in 2020 and 62.0% in 2010–2019. The positive rates of respiratory viruses with seasonality—hRV, IFV, and PIV—decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the positive rate of RSV increased significantly in the early weeks, the changes after week 5 were not significant. This phenomenon may be attributed to the strict COVID-19 control measures.

2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. 1389-1395
Author(s):  
Viktoriia E. Khomenko ◽  
Oksana V. Iemets ◽  
Oleksandr P. Volosovets ◽  
Sergii P. Kryvopustov ◽  
Mariia V. Kryvopustova ◽  
...  

The aim: Is to provide data on the presence of potential pathogens of ARTIs in children in Ukraine. Materials and methods: The etiology of ARTIs was investigated in 487 children in MC ‘Eurolab’, Kyiv, Ukraine during 2018-2020 years. Seven respiratory viruses – Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV), Parainfluenza virus (PIV), Adenovirus (AdV), human Metapneumovirus (MPV), Rhinovirus (RV), human Bocavirus (BoV), Coronavirus (CoV), were identified by PCR. Qualitative detection of Influenza type A, type B, Group A Streptococcal was performed by chromatographic immunoassay. Pathogens profiles, clinical characteristics and seasonality were analyzed. Results: 487 nasal and throat swabs from children with ARVI were collected. 400 (82,1%) samples were found to be positive: 319 swabs were positive at least for one respiratory virus, 43 children had positive rapid influenza test, 38 – positive strep test. A total of 403 viruses were identified. RV (27,1%), ADV (13,4%), RSV (13,2 %), IVA (10,7 %) were the most commonly identified viruses. Conclusions: Detection of viral seasonality in Ukraine and estimating of clinical features in case of infection allows predicting probable clinical course of disease, to provide, optimize the therapy and to develop preventive measures, vaccination, in particular.


Author(s):  
Chien-Yu Lin ◽  
David Hwang ◽  
Nan-Chang Chiu ◽  
Li-Chuan Weng ◽  
Hsin-Fu Liu ◽  
...  

Respiratory viruses are a common cause of respiratory tract infection (RTI), particularly in neonates and children. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of viral infections could improve clinical outcomes and reduce the use of antibiotics and treatment sessions. Advances in diagnostic technology contribute to the accurate detection of viruses. We performed a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to investigate the viral etiology in pediatric patients and compared the detection rates with those determined using traditional antigen tests and virus cultures. Fifteen respiratory viruses were included in our investigation: respiratory syncytial virus A/B (RSV), influenza virus A (FluA) and influenza virus B (FluB), human metapneumovirus (MPV), enterovirus (EV), human parainfluenza virus (PIV) types 1–4, human rhinovirus (RV), human coronavirus OC43, NL63, and 229E, human adenovirus (ADV), and human bocavirus (Boca). In total, 474 specimens were collected and tested. Respiratory viruses were detected more frequently by PCR (357, 75.3%) than they were by traditional tests (229, 49.3%). The leading pathogens were RSV (113, 23.8%), RV (72, 15.2%), PIV3 (53, 11.2%), FluA (51, 10.8%), and ADV (48, 10.1%). For children younger than 5 years, RSV and RV were most prevalent; for children older than 5 years, FluA and ADV were the most frequently detected. Of the specimens, 25.8% (92/357) were coinfected with two or more viruses. RV, Boca, PIV2, FluB, and PIV4 had higher rates of coinfection; MPV and PIV1 had the lowest rates of coinfection (9.1% and 5.3%). To conclude, the detection power of PCR was better than that of traditional antigen tests and virus cultures when considering the detection of respiratory viruses. RSV and RV were the leading viral pathogens identified in the respiratory specimens. One-quarter of the positive specimens were coinfected with two or more viruses. In the future, further application of PCR may contribute to the rapid and accurate diagnosis of respiratory viruses and could improve patient outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (04) ◽  
pp. 202-208
Author(s):  
Kevin Zhang ◽  
Avika Misra ◽  
Patrick J Kim ◽  
Seyed M Moghadas ◽  
Joanne M Langley ◽  
...  

Background: Public health measures, such as physical distancing and closure of schools and non-essential services, were rapidly implemented in Canada to interrupt the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We sought to investigate the impact of mitigation measures during the spring wave of COVID-19 on the incidence of other laboratory-confirmed respiratory viruses in Hamilton, Ontario. Methods: All nasopharyngeal swab specimens (n=57,503) submitted for routine respiratory virus testing at a regional laboratory serving all acute-care hospitals in Hamilton between January 2010 and June 2020 were reviewed. Testing for influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza I–III, adenovirus, and rhinovirus/enterovirus was done routinely using a laboratory-developed polymerase chain reaction multiplex respiratory viral panel. A Bayesian linear regression model was used to determine the trend of positivity rates of all influenza samples for the first 26 weeks of each year from 2010 to 2019. The mean positivity rate of Bayesian inference was compared with the weekly reported positivity rate of influenza samples in 2020. Results: The positivity rate of influenza in 2020 diminished sharply following the population-wide implementation of COVID-19 interventions. Weeks 12–26 reported 0% positivity for influenza, with the exception of 0.1% reported in week 13. Conclusion: Public health measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with a reduced incidence of other respiratory viruses and should be considered to mitigate severe seasonal influenza and other respiratory virus pandemics.


1972 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 523-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy Jennings

SUMMARYSurveys for respiratory virus antibodies in the Jamaican population have shown that adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza types 1 and 3 virus antibodies are acquired early in life. The incidence of haemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies to parainfluonza viruses increases rapidly with age and almost all adults possess parainfluenza type 3 antibody, usually in high titre. Parainfluenza type 1 antibodies are only slightly less common. Complement-fixing antibodies to the adenovirus group were also observed to increase in incidence with age.Complement-fixing antibody to respiratory syncytial virus was less common in Jamaican sera than antibody to the other respiratory viruses described here. The highest titres were observed in the youngest age-group.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243735
Author(s):  
Cyprien Kengne–Nde ◽  
Sebastien Kenmoe ◽  
Abdou Fatawou Modiyinji ◽  
Richard Njouom

Introduction Wheezing is a major problem in children, and respiratory viruses are often believed to be the causative agent. While molecular detection tools enable identification of respiratory viruses in wheezing children, it remains unclear if and how these viruses are associated with wheezing. The objective of this systematic review is to clarify the prevalence of different respiratory viruses in children with wheezing. Methods We performed an electronic in Pubmed and Global Index Medicus on 01 July 2019 and manual search. We performed search of studies that have detected common respiratory viruses in children ≤18 years with wheezing. We included only studies using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Study data were extracted and the quality of articles assessed. We conducted sensitivity, subgroup, publication bias, and heterogeneity analyses using a random effects model. Results The systematic review included 33 studies. Rhinovirus, with a prevalence of 35.6% (95% CI 24.6–47.3, I2 98.4%), and respiratory syncytial virus, at 31.0% (95% CI 19.9–43.3, I2 96.4%), were the most common viruses detected. The prevalence of other respiratory viruses was as follows: human bocavirus 8.1% (95% CI 5.3–11.3, I2 84.6%), human adenovirus 7.7% (95% CI 2.6–15.0, I2 91.0%), influenza virus6.5% (95% CI 2.2–12.6, I2 92.4%), human metapneumovirus5.8% (95% CI 3.4–8.8, I2 89.0%), enterovirus 4.3% (95% CI 0.1–12.9, I2 96.2%), human parainfluenza virus 3.8% (95% CI 1.5–6.9, I2 79.1%), and human coronavirus 2.2% (95% CI 0.6–4.4, I2 79.4%). Conclusions Our results suggest that rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus may contribute to the etiology of wheezing in children. While the clinical implications of molecular detection of respiratory viruses remains an interesting question, this study helps to illuminate the potential of role respiratory viruses in pediatric wheezing. Review registration PROSPERO, CRD42018115128.


Author(s):  
Souhir Saadi ◽  
Ouafa Kallala ◽  
Imene Fodha ◽  
Amira Jerbi ◽  
Meriem BenHamida-Rebai ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Respiratory viruses are the most important cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in children. Meteorological factors can influence viral outbreaks. The objective of this study was to determine the association between climate variables and respiratory virus detection. Methods Multicenter prospective 1-year surveillance was conducted among children hospitalized for LRTI in Tunisia. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were tested by direct immunofluorescence assay (DIFA) for the detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); adenovirus (AdV); influenza virus (IFV) A and B; and parainfluenza virus 1, 2, and 3 (PIV1/2/3). Samples were further analyzed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for the detection of human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Monthly meteorological data were determined by consulting the National Institute of Meteorology and the World Weather Online Meteorological Company websites. Pearson's correlation tests were used to determine the statistical association between the detection of respiratory viruses and climatic characteristics. Results Among 572 patients, 243 (42.5%) were positive for at least one virus. The most frequently detected viruses by DIFA were RSV (30.0%), followed by IFVA (3.8%), IFVB (3.5%), PIV (0.9%), and AdV (0.9%). HMPV was detected in 13 RSV-negative samples (3.3%). Dual infections were detected in seven cases (1.2%). Monthly global respiratory viruses and RSV detections correlated significantly with temperature, rainfall, cloud cover, wind speed, wind temperature, and duration of sunshine. Monthly IFV detection significantly correlated with rainfall, wind speed, wind temperature, and duration of sunshine. HMPV detection significantly correlated with temperature and wind temperature. Conclusion Respiratory viral outbreaks are clearly related to meteorological factors in Tunisia.


2003 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Martino ◽  
Elena Rámila ◽  
Núria Rabella ◽  
José Manuel Muñoz ◽  
Mercé Peyret ◽  
...  

Abstract During a 2-year period, 157 consecutive episodes of respiratory virus infections that occurred in 130 patients with upper or lower respiratory tract infection were analyzed for respiratory viruses. A respiratory virus was identified in 75 episodes (48%), and several viruses were found in 13 episodes: there were a total of 56 influenza A virus infections, 14 respiratory syncytial virus infections, 8 adenovirus infections, 8 infections with parainfluenza virus types 1 or 3, and 7 enterovirus infections. On multivariate analysis, the only variable that predicted progression to pneumonia in patients with an upper respiratory tract infection was the presence of respiratory syncytial virus, whereas lymphocytopenia had a nonsignificant trend. Also, among the 38 patients who had pneumonia at any time during the episode, both respiratory syncytial virus and lymphocytopenia were commonly found. For both epidemiological and therapeutic considerations, frequent screening for respiratory viruses should be incorporated into the routine diagnostic study of patients with hematologic malignancies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Wangwa Adema ◽  
Everlyn Kamau ◽  
Joyce Uchi Nyiro ◽  
Grieven P. Otieno ◽  
Clement Lewa ◽  
...  

Background: Respiratory viruses are primary agents of respiratory tract diseases. Knowledge on the types and frequency of respiratory viruses affecting school-children is important in determining the role of schools in transmission in the community and identifying targets for interventions. Methods: We conducted a one-year (term-time) surveillance of respiratory viruses in a rural primary school in Kilifi County, coastal Kenya between May 2017 and April 2018. A sample of 60 students with symptoms of ARI were targeted for nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) collection weekly.  Swabs were screened for 15 respiratory virus targets using real time PCR diagnostics. Data from respiratory virus surveillance at the local primary healthcare facility was used for comparison. Results: Overall, 469 students aged 2-19 years were followed up for 220 days. A total of 1726 samples were collected from 325 symptomatic students; median age of 7 years (IQR 5-11). At least one virus target was detected in 384 (22%) of the samples with a frequency of 288 (16.7%) for rhinovirus, 47 (2.7%) parainfluenza virus, 35 (2.0%) coronavirus, 15 (0.9%) adenovirus, 11 (0.6%) respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and 5 (0.3%) influenza virus.  The proportion of virus positive samples was higher among lower grades compared to upper grades (25.9% vs 17.5% respectively; χ2 = 17.2, P -value <0.001). Individual virus target frequencies did not differ by age, sex, grade, school term or class size. Rhinovirus was predominant in both the school and outpatient setting. Conclusion: Multiple respiratory viruses circulated in this rural school population.  Rhinovirus was dominant in both the school and outpatient setting and RSV was of notably low frequency in the school. The role of school children in transmitting viruses to the household setting is still unclear and further studies linking molecular data to contact patterns between the school children and their households are required.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
John-Sebastian Eden ◽  
Chisha Sikazwe ◽  
Ruopeng Xie ◽  
Yi-Mo Deng ◽  
Sheena G Sullivan ◽  
...  

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of acute respiratory infection (ARI) with the most severe disease in the young and elderly. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and travel restrictions for controlling COVID-19 have impacted the circulation of most respiratory viruses including RSV globally, particularly in Australia, where during 2020 the normal winter epidemics were notably absent. However, in late 2020, unprecedented widespread RSV outbreaks occurred, beginning in spring, and extending into summer across two widely separated states of Australia, Western Australia (WA) and New South Wales (NSW) including the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Genome sequencing revealed a significant reduction in RSV genetic diversity following COVID-19 emergence except for two genetically distinct RSV-A clades. These clades circulated cryptically, likely localized for several months prior to an epidemic surge in cases upon relaxation of COVID-19 control measures. The NSW/ACT clade subsequently spread to the neighbouring state of Victoria (VIC) and caused extensive outbreaks and hospitalisations in early 2021. These findings highlight the need for continued surveillance and sequencing of RSV and other respiratory viruses during and after the COVID-19 pandemic as mitigation measures introduced may result in unusual seasonality, along with larger or more severe outbreaks in the future.


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