Prevalence of respiratory viruses among hospitalized children with lower respiratory tract infections during the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, China

ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the continuous changes in respiratory virus epidemics in hospitalized children with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) persisting from January 2019 to December 2022 in Wuhan, China.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled children with LRTIs admitted to the Wuhan Children's Hospital. Specimens were nasopharyngeal aspirates which had been collected and detected the following microorganisms with direct immunofluorescence: influenza virus types A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus types 1-3, and adenovirus. We also analyzed demographic data and laboratory test results.ResultsA total of 22,660 patients were enrolled. The total virus detection rate in 2019, 2021, and 2022 significantly declined gradually (36.96% vs. 29.47% vs. 22.62%, p value <0.001). All the detected viruses did not follow previously observed seasonal patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children hospitalized for LRTIs were older during the COVID-19 pandemic in contrast to the pre-period, particularly notable in cases attributed to RSV and PIV3 infections.ConclusionsThis work adds to our knowledge of the epidemiology characteristics of respiratory viruses spanning the COVID-19 pandemic among children with LRTIs. The circulation of respiratory viruses changed consistently, and active LRTIs surveillance in children remains critical for defining the healthcare burden of respiratory viruses.