Changes in virus detection in hospitalized children before and after the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic

Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2022 Sep;16(5):837-841. doi: 10.1111/irv.12995. Epub 2022 Apr 29.

Abstract

The impact of strengthening preventive measures against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on the prevalence of respiratory viruses in children was examined. After the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the rate of multiple virus detection among hospitalized children decreased. Immediately after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, respiratory syncytial and parainfluenza viruses were rarely detected and subsequently reemerged. Human metapneumovirus and influenza virus were not consistently detected. Non-enveloped viruses (bocavirus, rhinovirus, and adenovirus) were detected to some extent even after the pandemic. Epidemic-suppressed infectious diseases may reemerge as susceptibility accumulates in the population and should continue to be monitored.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; children; epidemiology; hospitalization; human metapneumovirus; influenza virus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Hospitalized
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / epidemiology
  • Rhinovirus
  • SARS-CoV-2