Diagnóstico molecular e perfil clínico-epidemiológico de infecções por influenza e vírus sincicial respiratório detectados por rt-qpcr em hospital infantil da paraíba (2023-2024)

Abstract

Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) affect various age groups, being most frequent among children under five years of age and the elderly. These infections can progress to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a potentially fatal condition that often leads to hospitalization and death. Among the main etiological agents are the Influenza virus (FLU) and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), both of which are highly transmissible. The diagnosis of these viral respiratory infections is primarily based on molecular techniques, with RT-qPCR being the gold standard for the accurate detection of these pathogens. The present study aims to analyze the clinical epidemiological profile of children and adolescents diagnosed with Influenza and RSV by RT-qPCR during the years 2023 and 2024 at a hospital in João Pessoa. This is a quantitative epidemiological study conducted at the Laboratory of Applied Molecular Surveillance (LAVIMAP). Children and adolescents presenting respiratory symptoms and who underwent nasopharyngeal swab sample collection were included in the study. Molecular analyses were performed using RT-qPCR to detect Influenza A and B, RSV, and other respiratory viruses. Statistical analysis was conducted using variance and chi-square tests, with a 95% significance level. Out of 940 samples analyzed, 195 tested positive for Influenza or RSV, with 159 samples meeting the inclusion criteria. RSV was predominant among children under two years of age, whereas Influenza was more frequent in older age groups. A clear seasonality was observed, with higher incidence of both viruses between March and June. Additionally, risk factors such as comorbidities were associated with an increased likelihood of hospitalization and clinical complications. The study highlights the importance of epidemiological surveillance in identifying the seasonal and clinical patterns of Influenza and RSV infections. The data obtained contribute to the development of control strategies, optimization of hospital resource allocation, and reduction of the impact of respiratory infections on the pediatric population.