Prevalence of six respiratory pathogens among children in Chengdu, China: a multiplex PCR-based detection study

Chenggui Liu ^1,2, Jiuda Li ¹, Yao Deng ²

⁰Department of Performance Appraisal Management, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology +

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December 17, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Rhinovirus (RV), Adenovirus (ADV), and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) were the most common pathogens causing respiratory infections in children. Prevalence varied significantly by age, season, and clinical diagnosis, informing targeted prevention strategies.

Area Of Science

Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Respiratory Virology
Microbiology

Background

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are common in children, caused by various pathogens with differing prevalence.
Understanding pathogen distribution is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the prevalence of Influenza A (Flu A), Influenza B (Flu B), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Adenovirus (ADV), Rhinovirus (RV), and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in children.
To analyze variations in pathogen prevalence across different demographic and clinical groups in Chengdu.

Main Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study involving 39,190 children.
Respiratory specimens were analyzed using multiplex PCR for six key respiratory pathogens.

Main Results

The overall prevalence of single, double, and triple infections was 48.19%, 7.09%, and 0.25%, respectively.
Rhinovirus (21.43%), Adenovirus (16.69%), and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.73%) were the most prevalent pathogens.
Pathogen prevalence significantly differed across age groups, seasons, and clinical diagnoses (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Over half of the children studied had at least one of the six pathogens, with RV, ADV, and MP being predominant.
Co-infections, particularly double infections, were observed.
Findings highlight the need for age, season, and diagnosis-specific prevention and control strategies for pediatric RTIs.

Keywords:

Mycoplasma pneumoniae adenovirus children influenza A virus influenza B virus respiratory syncytial virus respiratory tract infections rhinovirus