Very Low Incidence of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and RSV but High Incidence of Rhino-, Adeno- and Endemic Coronaviruses in Children With Acute Respiratory Infection in Primary Care Pediatric Practices During the Second and Third Wave of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Respiratory viruses were detected by multiplex-polymerase chain reaction from oropharyngeal swabs in 114/168 (67.9%) children with acute respiratory infection presenting to 5 pediatric practices in Germany between November 2020 and April 2021. In contrast to rhino- (48.8%), adeno- (14.3%) and endemic coronaviruses (14.9%), SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus were detected only once; respiratory syncytial virus was not detected. This demonstrates differing impacts of pandemic infection control measures on the spread of respiratory viruses.

Automated summary

Respiratory viruses were detected in 67.9% of children with acute respiratory infection presenting to pediatric practices in Germany between November 2020 and April 2021. Unlike other common respiratory viruses, SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus were rarely detected, and respiratory syncytial virus was not detected. This demonstrates the differential impact of pandemic infection control measures on the spread of respiratory viruses.