Influenza and other respiratory viruses · 2025
Comparative Analysis of Influenza Epidemiology Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic in Argentina (2018-2019 vs. 2022-2023).
СтатьяСравнительное исследованиеМногоцентровое исследованиеНазвание и аннотация: Перевод пока не подготовлен
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Gentile Angela, Juárez María Del Valle, Ensinck Gabriela, Lopez Oscar, Melonari Pablo, Fernández Tatiana, Gioiosa Andrés, Lazarte Gustavo, Lobertti Silvina, Lucion María Florencia, Pejito Natalia, Racana Camila, López Leandro, Gregorio Gabriela
Аннотация
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic altered the epidemiology of respiratory viruses other than SARS-CoV-2. This study investigated the clinical-epidemiological pattern of hospitalized pediatric patients with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) and influenza in Argentina, comparing prepandemic and postpandemic periods.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter, cross-sectional study included patients under 18 years old admitted for ALRIs in five tertiary centers of Argentina before (2018 and 2019) and after (2022 and 2023) COVID-19. Changes in viral detection rates, seasonality, and case fatality rate (CFR), along with epidemiological and clinical characteristics, were analyzed. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) or RT-PCR was used for virological diagnosis pre-pandemic, and only RT-PCR in post-pandemic. Epi Info 7 and SPSS 15.0 was used for data analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 5838 cases of ALRI were included (mean age: 9.5 months; IQR: 4-22 months); 96.6% were tested for viral detection, and 66.4% were positive (3877 cases). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most prevalent. Influenza showed typical winter seasonality in 2018, 2019, and 2023. However, 2022 exhibited a bimodal pattern: late summer and spring, with co-circulation of influenza A and B in the second peak. CFR varied by viral diagnosis; influenza showed the highest CFR, all deaths related to influenza A. Among 354 influenza cases, 81% were < 5 years old, 53% were male, 63% had comorbidities, and 14.1% required intensive care. Mean of influenza vaccine coverage (6-24 months) was 21.4%. In both periods, patients with influenza were more likely to have pneumonia. Additionally, in the postpandemic period, malnourishment or being 3 years of age or older was also associated with a higher likelihood of influenza infection compared with infection with other respiratory viruses.
CONCLUSIONS: Influenza primarily affected children under 5 years old. Postpandemic cases involved older individuals, and increased circulation of influenza A H3N2 was observed. Vaccination coverage was notably low. Influenza returned to its usual seasonal pattern in 2023.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter, cross-sectional study included patients under 18 years old admitted for ALRIs in five tertiary centers of Argentina before (2018 and 2019) and after (2022 and 2023) COVID-19. Changes in viral detection rates, seasonality, and case fatality rate (CFR), along with epidemiological and clinical characteristics, were analyzed. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) or RT-PCR was used for virological diagnosis pre-pandemic, and only RT-PCR in post-pandemic. Epi Info 7 and SPSS 15.0 was used for data analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 5838 cases of ALRI were included (mean age: 9.5 months; IQR: 4-22 months); 96.6% were tested for viral detection, and 66.4% were positive (3877 cases). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most prevalent. Influenza showed typical winter seasonality in 2018, 2019, and 2023. However, 2022 exhibited a bimodal pattern: late summer and spring, with co-circulation of influenza A and B in the second peak. CFR varied by viral diagnosis; influenza showed the highest CFR, all deaths related to influenza A. Among 354 influenza cases, 81% were < 5 years old, 53% were male, 63% had comorbidities, and 14.1% required intensive care. Mean of influenza vaccine coverage (6-24 months) was 21.4%. In both periods, patients with influenza were more likely to have pneumonia. Additionally, in the postpandemic period, malnourishment or being 3 years of age or older was also associated with a higher likelihood of influenza infection compared with infection with other respiratory viruses.
CONCLUSIONS: Influenza primarily affected children under 5 years old. Postpandemic cases involved older individuals, and increased circulation of influenza A H3N2 was observed. Vaccination coverage was notably low. Influenza returned to its usual seasonal pattern in 2023.