Respiratory Virus Co-infection Research Articles

Significance of respiratory virus coinfection in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

ObjectiveMycoplasma pneumoniae is a major causative pathogen in community-acquired pneumonia. Respiratory viral coinfections in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) are not uncommon and cause severe clinical manifestations. This study aims to investigate the impacts of viral coinfection in MPP patients and hopes to offer novel insights for discriminating between MPP and MPP coinfection.MethodsThis study recruited 748 children hospitalized for MP pneumonia between January 2021 and October 2023. Patients were classified into two groups: MPP coinfected with respiratory virus group and MPP group. All children underwent polymerase chain reaction testing for respiratory pathogens. Baseline clinical features and demographic data were obtained retrospectively through medical records.ResultsThe retrospective study included 748 patients, with a viral coinfection rate of 38.75%. Patients in the MPP coinfected with respiratory virus group have a higher disease burden than those in the non-coinfection group. Our findings indicate that patients with Mycoplasma pneumonia co-infected with respiratory viruses had longer hospital stays and prolonged fever post-admission, as well as more severe conditions and a higher incidence of extrapulmonary complications. MPP coinfection was associated with the following factors: patients with extrapulmonary complications of gastroenteritis (OR = 4.474, 95%CI = 1.733–11.554, P = 0.002), longer hospital stay (OR = 1.109, 95%CI = 1.012–1.217, P = 0.027), longer days of fever after admission (OR = 1.215 95%CI = 1.006–1.469, P = 0.043), elevated white blood cell count (OR = 1.332 95%CI = 1.082–1.640, P = 0.007), decreased neutrophil count (OR = 0.768 95%CI = 0.602–0.981, P = 0.035), higher fibrinogen levels (OR = 1.652 95%CI = 1.138–2.398, P = 0.008), and raised lactate dehydrogenase levels (OR = 1.007 95%CI = 1.003–1.011, P = 0.001).ConclusionsWe determined the clinical significance of respiratory viral coinfection in children with MPP. Timely identification of MPP coinfection and provision of early and comprehensive therapeutic measures are vital in shortening the disease severity and improving prognosis.

Respiratory Viral Co-infection in SARS-CoV-2-Infected Children During the Early and Late Pandemic Periods

Background: Knowledge regarding the impact of respiratory pathogen co-infection in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected children seeking emergency department care is limited, specifically as it relates to the association between SARS-CoV-2 viral co-infection and disease severity and factors associated with co-infection. Methods: This secondary analysis included data from 2 prospective cohort studies conducted between March 2020 and February 2022 that included children <18 years of age tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection along with additional respiratory viruses in a participating emergency department. Outcomes included the detection rate of other respiratory viruses and the occurrence of severe outcomes (ie, intensive interventions, severe organ impairment and death). Results: We included 2520 participants, of whom 388 (15.4%) were SARS-CoV-2-positive. Detection of additional respiratory viruses occurred in 18.3% (71/388) of SARS-CoV-2-positive children, with rhinovirus/enterovirus being most frequently detected (42/388; 10.8%). In multivariable analyses (adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval), among SARS-CoV-2-positive children, detection of another respiratory virus was not associated with severe outcomes [1.74 (0.80–3.79)], but detection of rhinovirus/enterovirus [vs. isolated SARS-CoV-2 detection 3.56 (1.49–8.51)] and having any preexisting chronic medical condition [2.15 (1.06–4.36)] were associated with severe outcomes. Among SARS-CoV-2-positive children, characteristics independently associated with an increased odds of any other viral co-infection included: age and delta variant infection. Conclusions: Approximately 1 in 5 children infected with SARS-CoV-2 had co-infection with another respiratory virus, and co-infection with rhinovirus/enterovirus was associated with severe outcomes. When public health restrictions were relaxed, co-infections increased.

Paediatric iGAS Morbidity and Mortality in Ireland 2022-2023 episodic upsurge

Abstract There was an unseasonal upsurge in invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAS) activity in Ireland during the 2022/2023 winter period. In particular, there was an increase in the proportion of paediatric infections and a rise in the age specific death rate for those under the age of 18, from 0.10 to 1.43 per 100,000. This review aimed to describe the demographic and clinical factors associated with paediatric iGAS infection during this upsurge. All iGAS cases under the age of 16 years, notified to Public Health between 1st October and 30th June 2023, were included. A review of hospital records for each case was conducted using a standardised electronic data collection proforma. Descriptive, univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted using SPSS statistical package. There was a total of 183 cases of iGAS notified during this upsurge in Ireland. A hospital chart review was conducted for 169 of these cases, giving a response rate of 92.3%. The median age was 4 years (range 0-15,) with 44.4% (75) having a previous healthcare attendance during their illness. Varicella coinfection occurred in 27.8% (47) of cases. There was respiratory viral coinfection in 40.8% (69) of cases, and this was significantly associated with an increased risk of death RR 6.49 (95% CI 4.45 - 29.08) p < 0.05. A respiratory site of infection was also significantly associated with an increased risk of death RR 10.13 (95% CI 2.23 - 45.95) p < 0.001. However, both factors did not remain significant once adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity and deprivation index. This national review demonstrated the significant burden of paediatric iGAS morbidity and mortality during this upsurge. A significant proportion of cases, 37.9% (64) were associated with vaccine preventable illness, with respiratory viral infections and a respiratory site of infection both being significantly associated with an increased risk of death. Key messages • A significant proportion of iGAS cases were associated with a vaccine preventable illness. • A respiratory site of iGAS infection was significantly associated with an increased risk of death in paediatric cases.

42 Clinical features and severity of COVID-19 with respiratory virus coinfections versus SARS-CoV-2 monoinfection in hospitalized children: A Canadian national surveillance study

Abstract Background The co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2 alongside other respiratory viruses has led to the risk of coinfections, potentially intensifying the severity of cases, especially in children. Objectives This study examined the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 respiratory virus coinfections in comparison to SARS-CoV-2 monoinfections in hospitalized children. Design/Methods A nationwide surveillance study was conducted to assess paediatric COVID-19-related hospitalizations across Canada from April 2020 to May 2022. Data were captured through two datasets covering ~90% of all Canadian tertiary-care paediatric beds: The Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program and the Canadian Immunization Monitoring Program, ACTive. Coinfections were defined as the simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2 and ≥1 other respiratory virus. Severe infection was defined as intensive care, ventilatory, or hemodynamic support needs, organ systems complications, or death. Variables and outcomes were summarized and compared, and risk ratios were computed using Poisson regression, adjusting for age, gender, comorbid conditions, SARS-CoV-2 lineage, and vaccination status. Results Out of 1501 COVID-19-related hospitalizations, 163 (10.9%) had documented coinfections with 44/163 [27%] involving SARS-COV-2 plus ≥2 other respiratory viruses. The majority of SARS-CoV-2 monoinfections (1176/1501, 87.9%) and coinfections (139/163, 85.3%) belonged to the Omicron era (Figure A). RSV (66/163, 40.5%) and Enterovirus/rhinovirus (61/163, 37.4%) coinfections were the most common. Coinfection cases were significantly younger than monoinfection cases (median age 1.2 [IQR:0.3-3.3] vs 1.6 [IQR:0.3-7.0] years, p=0.04). Overall, severe disease was more common among cases with any coinfection (38.0%) than SARS-CoV-2 monoinfection (25.7%; adjusted risk ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.17-1.80) (Figure B). In particular, we observed that severe outcomes were significantly higher in SARS-CoV-2 coinfections compared to monoinfections during the Omicron era (Figure C-D). Overall, 26/61 (42.6%) Enterovirus/Rhinovirus and 20/66 (30.3%) RSV coinfections were associated with severe outcomes. Conclusion Children with documented coinfections had more severe respiratory disease compared to SARS-COV-2 monoinfections. However, children with severe COVID-19 may have been more likely tested for multiple viruses, leading to a risk of underestimation of coinfections among children with milder disease. Further work is needed to assess how different virus coinfections may affect children and which, if any, may be a predominant driver of disease severity. 1Severe disease was defined as intensive care, ventilatory, or hemodynamic support requirements, organ system complications, or death. 2Lineage was first assigned based on available genetic sequencing data. If missing, lineage was imputed based on the dominant circulating lineage at the provincial level according to the GISAID database.

A-276 Unraveling Pathogen Dynamics In Pediatric Meningitis Complications During The Omicron Variant Outbreak In Taiwan

Abstract Background Taiwan, once celebrated for its remarkable control over COVID-19, faced an unexpected surge in pediatric cases during the first wave of the omicron variant in April 2022. Alarming data revealed acute encephalitis emerging in half of the severe or fatal COVID-19 cases in children within the initial two months of the omicron epidemic. This study delves into the intricate microbiota patterns and viral pathogens contributing to encephalitis complications in affected children. Methods The study enrolled 36 pediatric patients, comprising 11 patients with severe encephalitis, 12 patients with mild encephalitis, and 13 normal controls. Nasal swabs were collected for pathogen detection. For respiratory microbiota analysis, 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing was employed, while the Illumina Respiratory Pathogen ID/AMR Enrichment Panel was used for respiratory pathogen identification. Results Microbiota analysis of nasal swabs from COVID-19 pediatric patients with meningitis complications revealed prevalent Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, Dolosigranulum, Acinetobacter, Moraxella, and Streptococcus. Conversely. No predominant bacterial species were detected in the normal control group. Nasal swab respiratory pathogen detection identified coinfections, particularly Herpesviridae viruses such as human herpesvirus 6, Epstein-Barr virus, and Cytomegalovirus in pediatric patients with meningitis complications. Notably, two severe encephalitis cases exhibited coinfections involving rhinovirus, SARS-CoV-2, and Herpesviridae viruses (HHV-6, EBV). In one fatal case, distribution of Streptococcus genes among total geneomes reaches 40.69%, 7 drug resistant genes were detected. Conclusions This study suggests a potential link between latent Herpesviridae virus coinfections (HHV-6, CMV, EBV) and meningitis complications in pediatric patients. Furthermore, the presence of a secondary respiratory virus (rhinovirus) coinfection appears to be associated with severe complications. These findings shed light on the complex pathogen dynamics contributing to the emergence of encephalitis in pediatric COVID-19 cases during the omicron variant outbreak in Taiwan.

Impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Coinfection on Clinical Severity and Outcomes Among Children Hospitalized With Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Soweto, South Africa

Background: No data are available regarding the interplay and clinical manifestations of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) coinfection in African children. We compared clinical characteristics and outcomes between RSV-only, SARS-CoV-2–only and RSV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfection lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in hospitalized African children. Methods: Prospective surveillance of children (0–59 months) hospitalized with severe LRTI was undertaken between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2023, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Nasopharyngeal swabs for respiratory viruses and clinical data were collected, and clinical characteristics and outcomes were described and compared. Respiratory index of severity in children (RISC) scores were calculated for HIV-uninfected children, and covariates associated with high RISC scores (≥5) were evaluated. Results: Seven thousand four hundred fifty-six children [6.1 months (interquartile range, 14.4–18.6); 57.7% male] were enrolled, 1372 (18.4%) testing RSV+/SARS-CoV-2– (RSV only), 223 (3.0%) RSV−/SARS-CoV-2+ (SARS-CoV-2–only) and 28 (0.4%) RSV+/SARS-CoV-2+ (RSV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfection). Children with RSV only and RSV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfection were more likely to present with bronchiolitis than those with SARS-CoV-2–only (673/1372 and 15/28 vs. 46/223; P < 0.001). Children with RSV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfection had more severe disease than those with RSV or SARS-CoV-2–only, as well as a higher RISC score than SARS-CoV-2–only. Weight-for-age Z scores [adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 0.92], room air saturations (aRR: 0.988) and RSV+ status (aRR: 1.40) were independently associated with severe disease. Conclusions: Although both RSV and SARS-CoV-2 LRTI occurred commonly, coinfection did not. Children with RSV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfection had a higher prevalence of severe LRTI than those with RSV or SARS-CoV-2–only. These findings reinforce the urgent need for safe and effective RSV and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, especially in children in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of disease is the highest and the access to medical resources the lowest.

Exploring viral respiratory coinfections: Shedding light on pathogen interactions.

Exploring viral respiratory coinfections: Shedding light on pathogen interactions.

Patients with influenza admitted to a tertiary-care hospital in Riyadh between 2018 and 2022: characteristics, outcomes and factors associated with ICU admission and mortality

BackgroundInfluenza is a common cause of hospital admissions globally with regional variations in epidemiology and clinical profile. We evaluated the characteristics and outcomes of patients with influenza admitted to a tertiary-care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort of adult patients admitted with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed influenza to King Abdulaziz Medical City-Riyadh between January 1, 2018, and May 31, 2022. We compared patients who required intensive care unit (ICU) admission to those who did not and performed multivariable logistic regression to assess the predictors of ICU admission and hospital mortality.ResultsDuring the study period, 675 adult patients were hospitalized with influenza (median age 68.0 years, females 53.8%, hypertension 59.9%, diabetes 55.1%, and chronic respiratory disease 31.1%). Most admissions (83.0%) were in the colder months (October to March) in Riyadh with inter-seasonal cases even in the summertime (June to August). Influenza A was responsible for 79.0% of cases, with H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes commonly circulating in the study period. Respiratory viral coinfection occurred in 12 patients (1.8%) and bacterial coinfection in 42 patients (17.4%). 151 patients (22.4%) required ICU admission, of which 62.3% received vasopressors and 48.0% mechanical ventilation. Risk factors for ICU admission were younger age, hypertension, bilateral lung infiltrates on chest X-ray, and Pneumonia Severity Index. The overall hospital mortality was 7.4% (22.5% for ICU patients, p < 0.0001). Mortality was 45.0% in patients with bacterial coinfection, 30.9% in those requiring vasopressors, and 29.2% in those who received mechanical ventilation. Female sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.096; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.070, 4.104), ischemic heart disease (OR, 3.053; 95% CI 1.457, 6.394), immunosuppressed state (OR, 7.102; 95% CI 1.803, 27.975), Pneumonia Severity Index (OR, 1.029; 95% CI, 1.017, 1.041), leukocyte count and serum lactate level (OR, 1.394; 95% CI, 1.163, 1.671) were independently associated with hospital mortality.ConclusionsInfluenza followed a seasonal pattern in Saudi Arabia, with H3N2 and H1N1 being the predominant circulating strains during the study period. ICU admission was required for > 20%. Female sex, high Pneumonia Severity Index, ischemic heart disease, and immunosuppressed state were associated with increased mortality.

Epidemiology and Management of Pediatric Group A Streptococcal Pneumonia With Parapneumonic Effusion: An Observational Study.

During autumn/winter 2022, UK pediatricians reported an unseasonal increase in invasive group A streptococcal infections; a striking proportion presenting with pneumonia with parapneumonic effusion. Clinicians across the United Kingdom were requested to submit pseudonymized clinical data using a standardized report form for children (<16 years) admitted between September 30, 2022 and February 17, 2023, with microbiologically confirmed group A streptococcal pneumonia with parapneumonic effusion. From 185 cases submitted, the median patient age was 4.4 years, and 163 (88.1%) were previously healthy. Respiratory viral coinfection was detected on admission for 101/153 (66.0%) children using extended respiratory pathogen polymerase chain reaction panel. Molecular testing was the primary method of detecting group A streptococcus on pleural fluid (86/171; 50.3% samples). Primary surgical management was undertaken in 171 (92.4%) children; 153/171 (89.4%) had pleural drain inserted (96 with fibrinolytic agent), 14/171 (8.2%) had video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Fever duration after admission was prolonged (median, 12 days; interquartile range, 9-16). Intravenous antibiotic courses varied in length (median, 14 days; interquartile range, 12-21), with many children receiving multiple broad-spectrum antibiotics, although evidence for additional bacterial infection was limited. Most cases occurred with viral coinfection, a previously well-recognized risk with influenza and varicella zoster, highlighting the need to ensure routine vaccination coverage and progress on vaccines for other common viruses (eg, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus) and for group A streptococcus. Molecular testing is valuable to detect viral coinfection and confirm invasive group A streptococcal diagnosis, expediting the incorporation of cases into national reporting systems. Range and duration of intravenous antibiotics administered demonstrated the need for research on the optimal duration of antimicrobials and improved stewardship.

Transcriptome sequencing reveals non-coding RNAs respond to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and Haemophilus parasuis co-infection in Kele piglets.

Co-infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and Haemophilus parasuis (HPS) has severely restricted the healthy development of pig breeding. Exploring disease resistance of non-coding RNAs in pigs co-infected with PRRSV and HPS is therefore critical to complement and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of disease resistance in Kele piglets and to innovate the use of local pig germplasm resources in China. RNA-seq of lungs from Kele piglets with single-infection of PRRSV or HPS and co-infection of both pathogens was performed. Two hundred and twenty-five differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs) and 30 DEmicroRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified and characterized in the PRRSV and HPS co-infection (PRRSV-HPS) group. Compared with the single-infection groups, 146 unique DElncRNAs, 17 unique DEmiRNAs, and 206 target differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the PRRSV-HPS group. The expression patterns of 20 DEmiRNAs and DElncRNAs confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were consistent with those determined by high-throughput sequencing. In the PRRSV-HPS group, the target DEGs were enriched in eight immune Gene Ontology terms relating to two unique DEmiRNAs and 16 DElncRNAs, and the unique target DEGs participated the host immune response to pathogens infection by affecting 15 immune-related Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment pathways. Notably, competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks of different groups were constructed, and the ssc-miR-671-5p miRNA was validated as a potential regulatory factor to regulate DTX4 and AEBP1 genes to achieve innate antiviral effects and inhibit pulmonary fibrosis by dual-luciferase reporter assays. These results provided insight into further study on the molecular mechanisms of resistance to PRRSV and HPS co-infection in Kele piglets.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 96 pediatric human metapneumovirus infections in Henan, China after COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundIn the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) transmission, surpassing pre-epidemic levels. We aim to elucidate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of HMPV infections in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.MethodsIn this retrospective single-center study, participants diagnosed with laboratory confirmed HMPV infection through Targeted Next Generation Sequencing were included. The study encompassed individuals admitted to Henan Children's Hospital between April 29 and June 5, 2023. Demographic information, clinical records, and laboratory indicators were analyzed.ResultsBetween April 29 and June 5, 2023, 96 pediatric patients were identified as infected with HMPV with a median age of 33.5 months (interquartile range, 12 ~ 48 months). The majority (87.5%) of infected children were under 5 years old. Notably, severe cases were statistically younger. Predominant symptoms included fever (81.3%) and cough (92.7%), with wheezing more prevalent in the severe group (56% vs 21.1%). Coinfection with other viruses was observed in 43 patients, with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) (15.6%) or human rhinovirus A (HRV type A) (12.5%) being the most common. Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) coinfection rate was significantly higher in the severe group (20% vs 1.4%). Bacterial coinfection occurred in 74 patients, with Haemophilus influenzae (Hin) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (SNP) being the most prevalent (52.1% and 41.7%, respectively). Severe patients demonstrated evidence of multi-organ damage. Noteworthy alterations included lower concentration of IL-12p70, decreased lymphocytes percentages, and elevated B lymphocyte percentages in severe cases, with statistical significance. Moreover, most laboratory indicators exhibited significant changes approximately 4 to 5 days after onset.ConclusionsOur data systemically elucidated the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric patients with HMPV infection, which might be instructive to policy development for the prevention and control of HMPV infection and might provide important clues for future HMPV research endeavors.

Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19 Among Children and Adolescents Enrolled in Acute Respiratory Infection Sentinel Surveillance in South Africa, 2020-2022.

Identifying children at risk for severe COVID-19 disease from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may guide future mitigation interventions. Using sentinel surveillance data, we aimed to identify risk factors for SARS-CoV-2-associated hospitalisation among patients aged ≤ 18 years with respiratory illness. From April 2020 to March 2022, patients meeting study case definitions were enrolled at four outpatient influenza-like illness (ILI) and five inpatient severe respiratory infection (SRI) surveillance sites and tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Each ILI clinic shared a catchment area with its corresponding SRI hospital. Potential risk factors for SARS-CoV-2-associated hospitalisation were analysed using multivariable logistic regression by comparing inpatient versus outpatient SARS-CoV-2 cases. Of 4688 participants aged ≤ 18 years, 4556 (97%) with complete PCR and HIV data were included in the analysis. Among patients with ILI and SRI, 92/1145 (8%) and 154/3411 (5%) tested SARS-CoV-2 positive, respectively. Compared to outpatients, hospitalised SARS-CoV-2 cases were associated with age < 6 months ([adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.7-24.0] versus 1-4 years); underlying medical condition other than HIV [aOR 5.8, 95% CI 2.3-14.6]; laboratory-confirmed Omicron BA.1/BA.2 or Delta variant ([aOR 4.9, 95% CI 1.7-14.2] or [aOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1-7.3] compared to ancestral SARS-CoV-2); and respiratory syncytial virus coinfection [aOR 6.2, 95% CI 1.0-38.5]. Aligning with previous research, we identified age < 6 months or having an underlying condition as risk factors for SARS-CoV-2-associated SRI hospitalisation and demonstrated the potential of sentinel surveillance to monitor COVID-19 in children.

Respiratory Viral Coinfections: Insights into Epidemiology, Immune Response, Pathology, and Clinical Outcomes.

Respiratory viral coinfections are a global public health threat that poses an economic burden on individuals, families, and healthcare infrastructure. Viruses may coinfect and interact synergistically or antagonistically, or their coinfection may not affect their replication rate. These interactions are specific to different virus combinations, which underlines the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind these differential viral interactions and the need for novel diagnostic methods to accurately identify multiple viruses causing a disease in a patient to avoid misdiagnosis. This review examines epidemiological patterns, pathology manifestations, and the immune response modulation of different respiratory viral combinations that occur during coinfections using different experimental models to better understand the dynamics respiratory viral coinfection takes in driving disease outcomes and severity, which is crucial to guide the development of prevention and treatment strategies.

Cocirculation and coinfection of multiple respiratory viruses during autumn and winter seasons of 2023 in Beijing, China: A retrospective study.

China experienced severe epidemics of multiple respiratory pathogens in 2023 after lifting "Zero-COVID" policy. The present study aims to investigate the changing circulation and infection patterns of respiratory pathogens in 2023. The 160 436 laboratory results of influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from February 2020 to December 2023, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from June 2020 to December 2023, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, adenovirus, and human rhinovirus from January 2023 to December 2023 were analyzed. We observed the alternating epidemics of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus (IAV), as well as the out-of-season epidemic of RSV during the spring and summer of 2023. Cocirculation of multiple respiratory pathogens was observed during the autumn and winter of 2023. The susceptible age range of RSV in this winter epidemic (10.5, interquartile range [IQR]: 5-30) was significantly higher than previously (4, IQR: 3-34). The coinfection rate of IAV and RSV in this winter epidemic (0.695%) was significantly higher than that of the last cocirculation period (0.027%) (p < 0.001). Similar trend was also found in the coinfection of IAV and SARS-CoV-2. The present study observed the cocirculation of multiple respiratory pathogens, changing age range of susceptible population, and increasing coinfection rates during the autumn and winter of 2023, in Beijing, China.

Molecular Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of an Outbreak on Respiratory Virus Coinfection in Gansu, China.

This study aims to analyze the epidemiological and pathogenic characteristics of an outbreak primarily caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human rhinovirus (HRV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in a kindergarten and primary school. The outbreak was investigated by field epidemiological investigation, and the common respiratory pathogens were screened by RT-PCR detection technology. The attack rate of this outbreak was 63.95% (110/172). Main symptoms included cough (85.45%), sore throat (60.91%), and sneezing (60.00%). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that continuous handwashing and mouth and nose covering when sneezing were protective factors. All 15 collected throat swab specimens tested positive for viruses, with HMPV as the predominant pathogen (80.00%), followed by HRV (53.33%), and two cases of positive respiratory syncytial virus (13.33%). Among them, six samples showed coinfections of HMPV and HRV, and one had coinfections of HMPV and RSV, resulting in a coinfection rate of 46.67%. Genetic sequencing indicated that the HMPV genotype in this outbreak was A2c, and the HRV genotype was type A, resulting in a coinfection outbreak of HMPV, HRV, and RSV in schools and kindergartens, suggesting that multi-pathogen surveillance of respiratory tract infections should be strengthened.

The prevalence of 17 common respiratory viruses in patients with respiratory illness but negative for COVID-19: A cross-sectional study.

Second to COVID-19 pandemic, other viral respiratory infections are still important causes of human diseases or co-infections. Hence, the present study was carried out to investigate the common respiratory viruses in patients with respiratory illness diagnosed negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 in primary screening. In a cross-sectional study, a real-time PCR was carried out using HiTeq. 17 Viro Respiratory pathogen One Step RT-PCR Kit (Genova, Bonda Faravar, Bioluence, Tehran, Iran). A total of 311 individuals (mean age ± SD: 48.2 ± 21.7 years, range: 1-97 years) underwent second PCR. Among these, 161 (51.7%) were female. In total, 55 (17.6%) cases (mean age ± SD: 45.7 ± 18.1 years) were found positive for respiratory viruses panel in the second PCR. The HCoV-OC43/HKU1 was in 5.4% (17/311), Flu A in 4.5% (14/311), HCoV-229E/NL63 in 2.8% (9/311), HMPV in 1.9% (6/311), HPiV 1, 2, 3 in 1.2% (4/311), HRSV in 0.9% (3/311), and HAdV in 0.6% (2/311) of the cases studies. Also, co-infection was detected in 4 samples (1.2%). In addition, sore throat (0.028), headache (p = 0.016), and body pain (p = 0.0001) were statistically the most significant symptoms in studied cases. According to the findings of our study, respiratory virus infections and co-infections were 17.6% and 1.2% frequent, respectively. Interestingly, nearly half of our positive cases (47.2%) were identified by coronaviruses (ОС43, Е229, NL63, and HKUI), followed by influenza A virus (25.4%). However, for more comprehensive results, we recommend using greater sample size.

DUSP1 mRNA modulation during porcine circovirus type 2 and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus co-infection regulates viruses replication

The effects of porcine circovirus type 2b (PCV2b) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) co-infection in epithelial cells of the swine respiratory tract is unknown. In the present study, the newborn pig trachea cell line NPTr-CD163, which is permissive to both viruses, was persistently infected with PCV2b and then with PRRSV. Viral replication, cell viability, cytokines’ mRNA expression, and modulation of cellular genes expression were evaluated in infected cells. In NPTr-CD163 co-infection model, PCV2b replication was enhanced while PRRSV replication was suppressed. Cell viability was significantly decreased during PCV2b single infection and co-infection compared to mock-infected and PRRSV single infected cells. However, no difference was observed in cell viability between PCV2b and PCV2b/PRRSV infected cells. The IL6, IL8 and IL10 mRNA expression was significantly higher in co-infected cells compared to PCV2b and PRRSV single infected cells. Moreover, the IFN-α/β expression was significantly reduced in co-infected cells compared to PCV2b infected cells whereas it remained higher compared to PRRSV infected cells. The differential gene expression analysis revealed that the mRNA expression level of the cellular gene DUSP1 was significantly higher in all PRRSV infection models compared to PCV2b single infected cells. Knockdown of DUSP1 expression in co-infected cells significantly reduced PCV2b replication, suggesting a role for DUSP1 in PCV2b/PRRSV pathogenesis.

422. Impact of Respiratory Virus Co-Infection in Pediatric COVID-19

Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a viral infection that emerged in December 2019, leading to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite significant research, there are still significant knowledge gaps, particularly with regards to COVID-19 in children and the impact of respiratory virus co-infection. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted at Penn State Children’s Hospital including children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by multiplex polymerase chain reaction from nasopharyngeal swabs between March 2020 and June 2022. Demographics, symptoms, clinical features, and treatments of patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 alone were compared to those who had co-detection of another respiratory virus. Results A total of 464 episodes of SARS-CoV-2 detection were included, with 123 (26.5%) involving of co-detection of another respiratory virus. Patients with viral co-detection more commonly presented with upper respiratory tract infection (URI) symptoms and, cough, and were more likely to require any supplemental oxygen therapy. However, there were no differences in rates of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit admission, mortality, or receipt of SARS-CoV-2 specific antivirals [Table 1]. Co-detections occurred throughout the study period [Figure 1]. Of the 123 episodes of viral co-detection, 99 (80.5%) had one other virus detected. The most commonly co-detected virus was rhino/enterovirus, which was found in 100 (81.3%) of the co-detection episodes. Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 and Viral Co-Detection Numbers of SARS-CoV-2 and Viral Co-Detections Conclusion This study provides insight into the impact of respiratory virus co-infections in pediatric COVID-19. Co-infection was more often associated with URI symptoms, but otherwise appeared clinically similar to SARS-CoV-2 mono-detection. Additionally, while children with co-infection more often needed any supplemental oxygen, there were no differences with regard to other markers of clinical severity. As SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate with other respiratory viruses, ongoing studies will be needed to determine if alternative treatment strategies are needed. Disclosures Jessica E. Ericson, MD, MPH, Abbvie: Advisor/Consultant

Investigation of the Frequency of Respiratory Viral Co-Infection in Respiratory Samples of Suspected COVID-19 Patients

Investigation of the Frequency of Respiratory Viral Co-Infection in Respiratory Samples of Suspected COVID-19 Patients

Surge of lower respiratory tract group A streptococcal infections in England in winter 2022: epidemiology and clinical profile

BackgroundFollowing low incidence of invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections during the COVID-19 pandemic, marked increases were noted in many countries during 2022, particularly in children. In November 2022, severe presentations of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), including empyema, were notified by clinicians across the UK. UKHSA investigated this rise with the aim of informing clinical management and public health response. MethodsWe undertook a case-series analysis using multiple routine data sources, exempted from ethics approval or patient consent. We identified iGAS cases in England in children younger than 15 years with an LRTI reported between Oct 1 and Dec 21, 2022, using UKHSA laboratory surveillance data (GAS detected in LRT specimens) and notifications by clinicians and Health Protection Teams (HPTs). Symptoms, diagnoses, health-care interactions, and outcome (death or recovery) data were obtained from HPT case management notes, the National Child Mortality Database, and the NHS Digital Emergency Care Dataset. FindingsWe identified 147 cases of LRTI iGAS in children across England (77 [52%] male, 70 [48%] female; median age 4 years [IQR 2–6]). Predominant ethnicities were White (74 [65%] of 113 with known ethnicity) and Asian (18 [16%] of 113). Most reported symptoms were fever (90 [75%] of 120 children with ≥1 symptom) and cough (60 [50%] of 120), and 71 (48%) of all 147 children had a diagnosed respiratory viral coinfection (most commonly hMPV and RSV). 127 (86%) of children attended an emergency department, 31% (n=36/114 with onset date) at least twice within 21 days after symptom onset. 37 (25%) of 147 children died, with a median time from symptom onset to death of 4 days (IQR 3–7). Of 32 children with sample dates, 16 (84%) were tested for GAS on or after the day they died. Over half of deaths (21 [57%] of 37 deaths) occurred in the community after rapid deterioration, of whom 18 had previous contact with health-care services documented. InterpretationThe UK saw an unusual rise in iGAS LRTIs in children in late 2022. One in four cases died, over half in the community. Non-specific symptoms, viral symptoms, or positive virology might have lowered suspicion of bacterial infection. Although the use of multiple available data sources expedited the analysis, varying data completeness limited interpretation. Our study highlights the need for earlier detection and identification of effective measures to prevent death. FundingNone.