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Research Paper | Molecular Biology | Bangladesh | Volume 12 Issue 2, February 2023
Prevalence of Viral Respiratory Pathogens with their Emerging Co-Infection by QIAstat Dx Respiratory Panel during COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Bangladesh: 2020-2022
Nurun Nahar Mawla [2] | Marynatun Nessa | Prakash Nandi | MD. Omar Faruk | MD. Mustafizur Rahman | Binod Saha | Manos Adittya Sarker | Anowar Hossain [5]
Abstract: Background: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among children. Viruses are responsible for a large proportion of ARIs, of which Influenza, Parainfluenza, Rhinovirus/Enterovirus (RV/EV) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are the leading cause. Co-infections have a potential role in increase severity of viral illness during COVID-19 pandemic. Human Metapneumovirus, Adenovirus and Bocavirus emerge as single and in co-infection during this period. However, local data on the etiologic diagnosis of ARIs are limited. QIAstat Dx Multiplexed Respiratory panel have recently been added to the diagnostic work-up that can simultaneously detect multiple pathogens of respiratory infections in a single run. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of respiratory viral and atypical bacterial pathogens by rapid multiplex PCR assay, known as the Respiratory Panel, among suspected ARIs patients during COVID-19 pandemic. This study also assesses viral co-infection rates with both COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at molecular laboratory of SQUARE Hospital Ltd, Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 2020 to October 2022. A total of 1557 respiratory samples were tested by QIAstat Dx Respiratory panel and results were analyzed by software. Results: Of total 1557 tested samples, 458 (29.4%) were positive, 457 respiratory viruses and one Legionella pneumophila. Among total positives, 28.2% were from children and 71.8% from adults with highest numbers found in less than 15 years and more than 60 years of age. Except pandemic virus; SARS-CoV-2 (27.1%), Influenza virus was the most commonly detected pathogen (21.8%) followed by RV/EV (15.9%), RSV(11.6%) and other human Coronaviridae (7.9%). Parainfluenza, Human Metapneumovirus, Adenovirus and Bocavirus were also found, between 2-5%. FLU virus were prevalent among both below15 years and above 60 years but predominance of RV/EV and RSV can be seen in under 15 years. A total of 40 (8.7%) patients were co-infected; 14(35%) with COVID-19 and 26 (65%) between other respiratory viruses, of which the most co-infection was Rhinovirus/Enterovirus plus Bocavirus (15%). Conclusion: Respiratory panel significantly improve etiological diagnosis of multiple respiratory infections because of viruses and atypical bacteria which enhance patient care with more rational antimicrobial use and improving infection control measures during pandemic.
Keywords: Acute respiratory infection, Respiratory panel, Respiratory virus, Co-infection, COVID-19-pandemic
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 2, February 2023,
Pages: 735 - 742