Coinfection and predominant symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus infection in the COVID-19 era, pediatric report in México City




Eduardo F. Rodríguez-Mejía, Pediatric Service, Hospital Pediátrico Tacubaya, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, México
Jhonatan Mata-Aranda, Pediatric Pulmonology and Inhalotherapy Service, Hospital Pediátrico Azcapotzalco, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, México
Flor L. Mendieta-Mendoza, Pediatric Pulmonology and Inhalotherapy Service, Hospital Pediátrico Azcapotzalco, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, México
Ulises Mendoza-Cortés, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Pediátrico La Villa, Mexico City, México
César D. Alonso-Bello, Allergy and Immunology Service, Hospital Juárez de México, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, México


Background: The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main viral etiological agent for respiratory infections and, with the measures implemented by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic, it had decreased with social distancing, strict hygiene, and the use of masks and all the non-pharmacological interventions. Objectives: Report the epidemiological behavior of RSV infection in the coronavirus disease-19 era in Mexico. Methods: We carried out an observational, retrospective, and cross-sectional study; we studied patients with RSV infection, with acute respiratory infection along 3 years. We obtained the odds ratio (OR) for each sign and symptom and relevant variable in the patients with RSV infection and other viral coinfection; in a binary logistic regression model, the OR 95% confidence interval was calculated. Results: The frequency of the presentation of RSV with or without coinfection was in August: 8.1% (n = 8) with a peak frequency in winter 14.2% (n = 14), November 34.6% (n = 34), December 13.2% (n = 13). The clinical variables with the highest OR were cyanosis with OR 7.18 (2.73-18.9), the need for mechanical ventilation with OR 3.3 (1.37-8.1), and dyspnea OR 2.42 (1.58-3.71). The multivariate analysis showed a Log Rank of 2.364 with p = 1.109, without showing a significant difference in the evolution of symptoms and days of hospitalization. Conclusion: Our results did not reflect changes in the clinical evolution or severity of RSV infection alone and with coinfection or in the seasonality presented predominantly during autumn and winter. The characteristic signs and symptoms of infection with elevated OR were cyanosis, tachypnea, and dyspnea, the mechanical ventilation needed was related to RSV infection and not to coinfection.



Keywords: Bronchiolitis. Child. Respiratory syncytial virus. Respiratory tract infections. Infants. Coronavirus disease-19.




Clinical Innovations in Health Research – HJM