This retrospective observational study aims to evaluate changes in the prevalence anddistribution of respiratory pathogens detected by multiplex respiratory polymerase chainreaction (PCR) testing during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The study includes 537patients presenting with respiratory infection symptoms at a tertiary care center.Patients were divided into pandemic-period and post-pandemic-period groups, andrespiratory pathogen profiles were compared between the groups.The study investigates the epidemiological impact of COVID-19-related public healthmeasures on respiratory pathogen circulation patterns, including bacterial and viralrespiratory infections. The findings may contribute to improved respiratory infectionsurveillance, diagnostic strategies, and post-pandemic public health preparedness.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the epidemiology of respiratory infections
worldwide. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), including mask use, social
distancing, travel restrictions, enhanced hygiene measures, and lockdown policies, were
implemented primarily to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. However, these interventions
also affected the circulation patterns of other respiratory pathogens.
Several studies have demonstrated substantial reductions in influenza, respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viral infections during periods of strict
public health measures. Following the relaxation of these interventions, many regions
experienced re-emergence and altered seasonal patterns of respiratory pathogens.
Continuous surveillance of respiratory infections has therefore become increasingly
important for both clinical management and public health preparedness.
This retrospective observational cohort study aims to evaluate changes in respiratory
pathogen prevalence during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic using multiplex respiratory
PCR testing data obtained from patients presenting with respiratory infection symptoms at
a tertiary care center. A total of 537 patients were included and categorized into
pandemic-period and post-pandemic-period groups.
Demographic characteristics and multiplex PCR results were analyzed and compared between
the groups. Respiratory pathogens evaluated in the study included bacterial and viral
agents such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Influenza A/B,
SARS-CoV-2, RSV, Rhinovirus, Bocavirus, Parainfluenza virus, Coronavirus, and
Metapneumovirus.
The study aims to contribute to understanding the long-term epidemiological effects of
the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures on respiratory pathogen
distribution. In addition, the findings may support future infection surveillance
strategies, diagnostic approaches, and healthcare preparedness in post-pandemic periods.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults and/or pediatric patients presenting with respiratory infection symptoms
- Patients who underwent multiplex respiratory PCR testing
- Patients with complete demographic and laboratory records
- Patients included during the defined pandemic or post-pandemic study periods
Exclusion Criteria:
- Incomplete laboratory or demographic data
- Duplicate test records from the same infection episode
- Invalid or inconclusive PCR results
- Patients without respiratory infection symptoms
Hisar Intercontinental Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Not Provided