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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Development of Multiplex Real-Time RT-qPCR Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and MERS-CoV
03:53

Development of Multiplex Real-Time RT-qPCR Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and MERS-CoV

Published on: November 10, 2023

Viral Landscape, Clinical Impact, and Management Trends in Hospitalized Children for Viral-Associated Lower

Valentina Ferro1, Chiara Cozzolino1, Carla Olita1

  • 1Pediatric Clinic Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Lazio, Italy.

Journal of Medical Virology
|August 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Post-COVID, pediatric lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) showed shifts in viral patterns. The 2023-2024 season saw more severe hospital courses and increased rhinovirus, enterovirus, and bocavirus prevalence.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Post-COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory virus patterns have shifted globally.
  • Pediatric viral-associated lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) requires ongoing surveillance to understand evolving trends.
  • Regional variations in viral circulation and clinical impact necessitate localized studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize post-pandemic shifts in viral circulation, clinical severity, and management of pediatric LRTD.
  • To compare viral epidemiology and disease outcomes between the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons in Rome, Italy.
  • To identify predictors of severe in-hospital course for pediatric LRTD.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective observational study of children (<6 years) hospitalized with PCR-confirmed viral LRTDs.
  • Data collected across two post-pandemic seasons (2022-2023 and 2023-2024) in Rome.
  • Analysis included viral prevalence, clinical severity scores (PRESS, CSS), treatment patterns, and multivariable logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • A severe in-hospital course (CSS > 3) was more frequent in the 2023-2024 season (8.96% vs. 4.24%).
  • Rhinovirus, enterovirus, and bocavirus prevalence increased in 2023-2024, alongside higher viral codetection rates.
  • Corticosteroid use rose, while antibiotic use decreased in 2023-2024. Younger age, comorbidities, and the 2023-2024 season predicted severe outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • The 2023-2024 season in Rome demonstrated an evolving viral ecology for pediatric LRTD, with increased severity.
  • Shifts in viral prevalence, particularly increases in rhinovirus, enterovirus, and bocavirus, warrant attention.
  • Continued local surveillance is crucial for adapting clinical preparedness and management strategies for pediatric viral LRTD.

Keywords:
clinical managementclinical severitypediatric viral LRTDpost‐pandemicrespiratory virusesviral epidemiology

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