Abstract
BackgroundRespiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a major global health burden due to their high morbidity and mortality. This retrospective study described the epidemiology of respiratory pathogens in adults over a 5-year period at an Australian tertiary healthcare network.MethodsAll multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction respiratory samples taken between the 1st of November 2014 and the 31st of October 2019 were included in this study. Overall prevalence and variations according to seasons, age groups and sex were analysed, as well as factors associated with prolonged hospital and intensive care length of stay.ResultsThere were 12,453 pathogens detected amongst the 12,185 positive samples, with coinfection rates of 3.7%. Picornavirus (Rhinovirus), Influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus were the most commonly detected pathogens. Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the most commonly detected atypical bacteria. Significant differences in the prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae and Human metapneumovirus infections were found between sexes. Longest median length of intensive care and hospital stay was for Legionella species. Seasonal variations were evident for certain pathogens.ConclusionsThe high rates of pathogen detection and hospitalisation in this real-world study highlights the significant burden of RTIs, and the urgent need for an improved understanding of the pathogenicity as well as preventative and treatment options of RTIs.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
