Trend of pathogens and respiratory co-infections in the province of Messina: from pediatric age to senescence

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality and they’re primarily caused by viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and to a lesser extent by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The study examines the impact of COVID-19 control measures on the circulation of respiratory pathogens, indicating a reduction in infections during the pandemic period. A retrospective study was conducted on 1,286 patients at the “G. Martino” University Hospital of Messina to evaluate the prevalence of respiratory pathogens. The results showed that SARS-CoV-2, rhinovirus, and RSV are the most frequently isolated pathogens, with a clear seasonality from December to March. Co-infections were detected in 14.1% of cases, predominantly in young children. The study suggests the need for enhanced surveillance strategies to improve the management of respiratory infections and healthcare resources.