Epidemiology of rhinovirus/enterovirus infection in hospitalized patients

Rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV), commonly known for causing mild colds, has emerged as a significant cause of hospitalization. The objective of the study is to analyze the characteristics of patients hospitalized for viral respiratory infections, with an emphasis on RV/EV.

This retrospective study was conducted between 2019 and 2022 at the University Clinical Hospital of Valladolid. Data from 1,528 cases were analyzed, sourced from medical records and microbiological tests (Biofire Respiratory y NxTAG respiratory panel).

RV/EV was the most common respiratory virus (42.6%). There was a slight predominance of cases in males. 44.6% had a hospital stay of 2-7 days. The average hospitalization incidence was 3 per 1,000 adults per year. Children aged 0-15 years are at higher risk of RV/EV infection, with a 1.5 times higher probability in single infections (OR 1.496; 95% CI 1.147-1.952; p = 0.003), 7 times in coinfections with other respiratory viruses (OR 6.887; 95% CI 3.928-12.045; p < 0.01), and 8 times in coinfections with RSV (OR 8.580; 95% CI 3.866-19.041; p < 0.01). RV/EV is associated with a higher risk of asthma exacerbation (OR 2.545; 95% CI 1.336-4.851; p = 0.005) and COPD exacerbation (OR 1.781; 95% CI 1.022-3.103; p = 0.042), but a lower probability of bronchiolitis (OR 0.236; 95% CI 0.117-0.474; p < 0.01).

This study identifies RV/EV as the main respiratory virus in hospitalized patients, with a greater impact on those under 15 years and over 60 years. Seasonality and the coexistence of multiple viruses complicate its behaviour. These findings underscore the importance of preventive strategies and the need for continued research on its health impact.