SARS-CoV-2 co-detection with other respiratory pathogens-descriptive epidemiological study.

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Co-detection of respiratory pathogens with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains poorly understood.
• This study addresses the limited knowledge regarding the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effect of respiratory pathogen co-detection on clinical variables.
• To investigate the interaction of different respiratory pathogens, particularly SARS-CoV-2, with clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing data from November 2020 to March 2023.
• Evaluation of co-detection rates, interactions between pathogens (observed vs. expected), and trends by age and sex.
• Application of a multiple logistic regression model to identify factors influencing co-detection.

Main Results:

• Out of 57,746 patients, 10,516 (18.2%) tested positive for at least one pathogen, with 881 (1.5%) showing co-detection.
• SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated negative interactions with adenovirus, coronavirus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and rhino/enterovirus.
• Co-detection involving SARS-CoV-2 was most frequent in the 0-4 years age group, with younger age identified as the most significant influencing factor.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 co-detection with other respiratory pathogens is prevalent, especially in pediatric populations.
• Younger age is a key factor associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 co-detection.
• Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications and disease severity associated with these co-detections.