COVID-19 Variants and Respiratory Pathogens in Post-Pandemic Era: Italian Research

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Infection and Public Health, researchers from the University of Siena analyzed oropharyngeal swabs from patients with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in Italy during the 2023/2024 season. The study aimed to describe the epidemiological aspects of respiratory pathogens involved in SARI cases and provide insights into the post-pandemic era.

Key Takeaways:

• The study enrolled 138 patients with an average age of 76.7 years and a frequent presence of comorbidities, with 40% testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, 20% for influenza, and 13% for human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV).
• The most common SARS-CoV-2 variants found were JN.1, EG.5, and BA.5 lineages.
• Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 strains belonged to the 6B.1a.5a.2a clade, while influenza A(H3N2) strains belonged to two different clades (3 C.2a1b.2a.1a and 3 C.2a1b. 2a.2a.3a.1).
• The study underlined the importance of continuous surveillance and contributed to the understanding of respiratory virus spread in patients with SARI.

Statistics:

• 138 patients were enrolled in the study.
• 40% of patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.
• 20% of patients tested positive for influenza.
• 13% of patients tested positive for HRSV.
• The most common SARS-CoV-2 variants found were JN.1, EG.5, and BA.5 lineages.
• Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 strains belonged to the 6B.1a.5a.2a clade.
• Influenza A(H3N2) strains belonged to two different clades (3 C.2a1b.2a.1a and 3 C.2a1b. 2a.2a.3a.1).

Sources:

• SARS-CoV-2, influenza, HRSV and other respiratory pathogens during the post-COVID-19 era: Epidemic circulation in Italy in the 2023/2024 season. Journal of Infection and Public Health, 2025;18(11):102905.
• University of Siena, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy.
• Elsevier Science London, 84 Theobalds Rd, London WC1X 8RR, England.