Multiplex PCR reveals age-specific respiratory pathogen profiles in a single-center cohort
Investigators analyzed 618 patients with acute respiratory symptoms at a Korean hospital to compare pathogen detection using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction panel. Enterovirus and rhinovirus were the most frequently identified pathogens in children (21.0%), while SARS-CoV-2 predominated in adults (32.9%). Co-infections were detected in 39 pediatric and 35 adult cases, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae and enterovirus/rhinovirus co-detection occurring in 5.7% of pediatric samples. The study provides contemporary epidemiological data on age-related pathogen circulation and co-detection patterns, offering reference values for clinical laboratories interpreting multiplex respiratory panels.
The original study
Comparative detection of respiratory pathogens in pediatric and adult patients using a multiplex panel.
- Authors
- Kim YJ, Jang WS, Park S, Kang I, Yoon SY, Lim CS, et al.
- Journal
- Medicine
- Type
- Journal Article, Comparative Study
- PMID
- 42432954
Original abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has further complicated the epidemiology of respiratory tract infections by altering the circulation patterns of respiratory viruses and exacerbating diagnostic challenges. This study aimed to compare respiratory pathogen profiles between pediatric and adult populations during a period of increased respiratory pathogen activity in 2024, with a focus on co-detection patterns and pathogen identification. We analyzed data from 618 patients who visited Korea University Guro Hospital with acute respiratory symptoms between August and September 2024. Specimens were tested using multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays targeting both viral and bacterial pathogens. Demographic data were extracted from electronic medical records, and statistical analyses were performed to compare the pathogen profiles and co-detection rates between pediatric and adult groups. A total of 245 pediatric patients and 373 adult patients were included. Enterovirus/rhinovirus was the most common finding in pediatric patients (21.0%), whereas severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was most frequently detected in adults (32.9%). Co-detection of multiple pathogens was observed in 35 adult and 39 pediatric cases. In pediatric patients, co-detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and enterovirus/rhinovirus was observed in 5.7% of cases. The prevalence of M pneumoniae was higher in the pediatric cohort, with a male predominance. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was detected in 60 adult cases and 7 pediatric cases. These findings highlight notable age-related differences in the pathogen profiles of acute respiratory infections. This study provides epidemiological data regarding respiratory pathogen detection and co-detection patterns across age groups.