Tracking Respiratory Viruses in Pakistan (2022-2025): Genomic and Epidemiologic Insights from Sentinel Surveillance of Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV.

ABSTRACT: Influenza and other respiratory viruses pose significant public health threats among SARI patients, yet comprehensive surveillance data remain limited in Pakistan. This prospective, multi-center study characterized the burden, distribution, and molecular evolution of respiratory viruses among hospitalized SARI patients across seven tertiary hospitals from November 2022 to June 2025. Specimens were tested using RT-PCR for influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV, with 375 samples sequenced via Oxford Nanopore Technology. Among 11,451 specimens, 2818 (24.6%) tested positive: RSV (1648, 14.4%), influenza (855, 7.5%; 45% H1N1pdm09, 35% H3N2, 20% influenza B), and SARS-CoV-2 (315, 2.8%). RSV predominantly affected children under 2 years (63%), while influenza and SARS-CoV-2 primarily impacted adults aged

SUBMITTER: Badar N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12846446 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature