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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
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Surveillance of Acute Respiratory Infections in Central India (2024-2025) Using Multiplex RT-PCR
Hindol Maity1, Vijayshri Deotale1, Ruchita Attal1
1Department of Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
Infectious Diseases & Clinical Microbiology
|March 11, 2026
Summary
Bacterial and viral respiratory pathogens are common in Wardha, with higher mortality in older adults. Multiplex RT-PCR surveillance aids public health in resource-limited settings.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Respiratory infections pose a significant health burden globally.
- Accurate pathogen identification is crucial for effective treatment and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the spectrum and demographic distribution of respiratory pathogens.
- To investigate the association between detected pathogens and clinical outcomes, including mortality.
- To assess seasonal trends of respiratory pathogen prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of respiratory samples from inpatients and ICUs.
- Utilized multiplex real-time RT-PCR for pathogen detection.
- Stratified pathogen detection rates by age group and analyzed seasonal variations.
Main Results:
- 60% of 476 samples tested positive for at least one pathogen.
- Bacterial species were most frequent (211 cases), followed by viral pathogens (79 cases).
- Mortality was significantly higher in older adults (≥61 years) and associated with Coronavirus HKU1 and SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Conclusions:
- Multiplex RT-PCR surveillance effectively identified a substantial burden of respiratory pathogens.
- Significant seasonal and age-related variations in pathogen prevalence were observed.
- Syndromic testing can enhance pathogen detection and inform public health strategies in resource-limited areas.
