Temporal dynamics and forecasting of respiratory viral infections during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (2020-2027): a multiplex PCR and ARIMA-based study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Respiratory viruses are the leading cause of acute respiratory tract infections in both children and adults, with significant morbidity and healthcare burden. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, these pathogens typically exhibited predictable seasonal circulation patterns. However, the pandemic markedly disrupted this seasonality, leading to reduced viral detection during lockdowns and unusual peaks in subsequent periods.

Objective

This study aimed to identify respiratory pathogens in LRTI patients using multiplex PCR and to assess changes in virus distribution during and after the COVID-19 pandemic across age groups.

Methods

A total of 748 nasopharyngeal swab samples (one per patient) collected between March 2020 and November 2024 were retrospectively analyzed

SUBMITTER: Kocer I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12507870 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature