Clinical presentation and detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza-A/B among patients with upper respiratory tract infections in a tertiary hospital in Pune: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Acute respiratory illness (ARI) is one of the most common illnesses globally, affecting all age groups and leading to both upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). Viral pathogens such as influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 are major contributors to upper respiratory tract infections and continue to pose significant clinical and public health challenges.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the clinical presentation and haematological profiles of adult patients with rRT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, and virus-negative URTIs presenting to a tertiary-care hospital in Pune.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Nasopharyngeal swab samples collected from 123 adult patients presenting with URTI between March and November 2023 were tested at the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, using multiplex real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assays for detection of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and other respiratory viral pathogens. RNA extraction was performed using a Zybio kit, and a multiplex single-tube combo rRT-PCR assay.

RESULTS

The study examined 123 individuals with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), 12 of whom had influenza A, 8 of whom had influenza B, and 6 of whom had SARS-CoV-2. No significant differences were observed in age, anthropometric parameters, vital signs, or comorbidity distribution across groups. Significant intergroup differences were identified in cough, sputum production, vomiting/nausea, and nasal discharge/stuffiness (all p < 0.05). Haematological analysis demonstrated significant variations in total WBC count, lymphocyte, monocyte, and neutrophil percentages. Significant intergroup differences were also observed for NLR (p = 0.0013) and PLR (p = 0.0134).

CONCLUSION

This pilot study identified differences in selected symptom profiles and haematological parameters and derived inflammatory indices among patients with SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, and virus-negative URTIs. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of respiratory infection patterns in clinical settings; however, larger studies are required to validate their diagnostic and clinical significance.