Evaluating the burden of respiratory tract infections among mortality cases in Karachi, Pakistan: a post-pandemic surveillance analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) significantly impact global health, but particularly affect low- and middle-income countries. They contribute to morbidity and mortality, especially among vulnerable populations. We evaluated the burden of RTIs in mortality cases in an urban slum of Karachi, Pakistan, during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study from September 2022 to October 2023 in Ali Akbar Shah, Karachi. We collected 350 nasal swabs from deceased individuals and tested them for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory pathogens using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the TaqMan Array Card (TAC) assay. Additionally, we performed verbal auto

SUBMITTER: Kabir F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12319414 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature