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Changes in the Distribution of Respiratory Microorganisms before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Daegu, Korea

Dong Ja Kim, Narae Hwang, Ji Yeon Ham

    Clinical Laboratory
    |February 10, 2022
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    COVID-19 pandemic restrictions significantly reduced respiratory microorganism detection rates. Life changes impacted pathogen distribution, offering insights into respiratory virus epidemiology.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
    • Microbiology
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are globally prevalent, often caused by respiratory viruses.
    • COVID-19 pandemic necessitated public health interventions like lockdowns, mask mandates, and social distancing.
    • These measures aimed to control viral spread but potentially altered the epidemiology of other respiratory pathogens.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic control measures on the incidence and distribution of ARI-causing microorganisms.
    • To compare the prevalence of specific respiratory pathogens before and during the pandemic.
    • To analyze changes in pathogen detection across different demographics, seasons, and detection methods.

    Main Methods:

    • A retrospective study comparing data from before (Period I) and during (Period II) the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Analysis of 27,191 respiratory specimens, focusing on eight major respiratory microorganisms.
    • Comparison of detection rates across age groups, months, seasons, and using different assays (FilmArray™ RP, Flu antigen test).

    Main Results:

    • Overall positive rates for respiratory microorganisms significantly decreased from 23.1% in Period I to 4.9% in Period II (p < 0.001).
    • Detection rates declined across all age groups during Period II compared to Period I.
    • Adenovirus, Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, and Influenza A were detected year-round, while HMPV and HPIV3 were not detected in Period II.

    Conclusions:

    • The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lifestyle changes profoundly affected the distribution of respiratory microorganisms.
    • The study provides valuable epidemiological data on respiratory viruses during a global health crisis.
    • Findings highlight the dynamic nature of infectious disease patterns in response to public health interventions.

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