Prevalence of SARS-COV-2 and other respiratory pathogens among a Jordanian subpopulation during Delta-to-Omicron transition: Winter 2021/2022

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283804
• Publication Date: 2023-03-30T17:52:06Z
• Authors: Ashraf I. Khasawneh; Nisreen M. Himsawi; Jumana A. Abu-Raideh; Ashraf Sammour; Hazem Abu Safieh; Ali Obeidat; Mohammed Azab; Amjed A. Tarifi; Abdallah Al Khawa...; Hafez Al-Momani; Sofian Al Shboul; Tareq Saleh
• Keywords: Rhinovirus; Common cold; Coronavirus; Influenza-like illness

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) during the winter months are associated with higher morbidity and mortality compared to other seasons of year, children below five, elderly, immunocompromised patients being most susceptible. Influenza A B viruses, rhinovirus, coronaviruses, syncytial virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza frequently identified causes viral ARTIs. In addition, emergence SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 provided an additional cause The aim this study was provide overview epidemiological status upper infections, their main causative agents, reported clinical presentation 2021, two important surges COVID-19 Jordan. Nasopharyngeal samples were collected from 339 symptomatic period December 2021 March 2022, followed by nucleic acid isolation using a Viral RNA/DNA extraction Kit. virus species patient’s symptoms determined utilizing multiplex real-time PCR targeting 21 11 bacteria, single fungus. 39.2% (n = 133/339). total 15 different pathogens also as co-infections among these 133 67/133). SARS-CoV-2-Bacterial coinfections (37.6%, n 50/133) frequent, Bordetella common, Staphylococcus aureus , H . influenzae type coinfection rate 27.8% 37/133), Human bocavirus common. Conclusion, Both SARS-CoV-2, influenza accounted for majority URTI 2021–2022. Interestingly, more than 50% URTIs confirmed have or pathogens, predominant.