Circulation of human coronaviruses OC43 and 229E in Cordoba, Argentina

This is the first study of respiratory infections in Cordoba, Argentina, caused by endemic human coronavirus (HCoV)-OC43 and HCOV-229E, which circulated during 2011-2012 at a 3% rate, either as single or multiple infections. They were detected mainly in children, but HCoV-229E was also found in adults. HCoV-229E was detected in five out of 631 samples (0.8%), and HCoV-OC43 was found in 14 out of 631 (2.2%) samples. Clinical manifestations ranged from fever to respiratory distress, and a significant association of HCoV-229E with asthma was observed. Further studies and surveillance are needed to provide better clinical insights, early diagnosis, and medical care of patients, as well as to contribute to epidemiology modeling and prevention.

Automated summary

This study focused on respiratory infections caused by endemic human coronaviruses in Cordoba, Argentina from 2011-2012, with HCoV-OC43 and HCOV-229E detected in 3% of samples. Clinical manifestations varied from fever to respiratory distress, with a significant association of HCoV-229E with asthma. Further studies and surveillance are needed for better clinical insights and prevention strategies.