Association between common respiratory pathogens and disease severity, and pathogen-specific seasonality in the Caribbean pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19: a retrospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) cause significant child morbidity and mortality. Periodical influenza vaccination and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis can reduce this burden in risk groups. However, in the Caribbean, the optimal timing of these interventions is unclear due to a lack of epidemiological data. We aimed to investigate pathogens associated with RTI disease burden and pathogen specific seasonality in the Caribbean in the context of COVID-19 to achieve optimal timing of preventive measures.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study using patient records and pathogen detection data from St. Maarten Medical Center from 1 September 2018 to 1 September 2023. We performed regression to associate pathogens with outcomes and seasonality.

SUBMITTER: Engels S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12781987 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature