Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 30, 2025

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
Acute bronchiolitis during the COVID-19 pandemic
Patricia Flores-Pérez1, Nathalia Gerig2, Mª Isabel Cabrera-López1
1Pediatric Department, Hospital Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, bronchiolitis epidemics significantly decreased. SARS-CoV-2 rarely caused severe bronchiolitis, with rhinovirus being the primary pathogen, and a notable drop in hospital admissions observed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Bronchiolitis epidemics, typically occurring in autumn and winter, were notably absent during the initial year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 prompted an investigation into its role in pediatric respiratory infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize acute bronchiolitis cases during the fourth quarter of 2020.
- To determine the role of SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric bronchiolitis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, multi-center study was conducted in Madrid, Spain, from October to December 2020.
- Clinical data were collected from children admitted with acute bronchiolitis, and multiplex PCR was used for respiratory virus identification.
Main Results:
- Thirty-three children were hospitalized with bronchiolitis; 28 were infected with rhinovirus (RV), 4 with SARS-CoV-2, and 1 with both.
- SARS-CoV-2-associated bronchiolitis cases were similar to RV cases but had shorter hospital stays.
- A significant reduction in bronchiolitis admissions was observed, with no respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) detected.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 infrequently causes acute bronchiolitis and is not linked to severe clinical outcomes.
- The COVID-19 pandemic period was associated with a substantial decrease in the incidence of pediatric bronchiolitis.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Acute Respiratory Failure-I
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...

