RNA Viruses - Respiratory Syncytial Viruses Revealed in New Research

Strategic Insights -

A groundbreaking study conducted in Guangzhou, People's Republic of China, has shed new light on the prevalence and patterns of respiratory viruses among hospitalized children. The research, published in Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, utilized targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) to investigate 108 respiratory pathogens in 1,468 hospitalized children with acute respiratory infections (ARIs). The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of ARIs pathogenesis and emphasize the need for age-tailored diagnostics, seasonal surveillance, and antimicrobial stewardship.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 64.7% of hospitalized children with ARIs tested positive for viruses, while 77.2% were positive for bacteria, with human rhinovirus (18.5%), human respiratory syncytial virus B (7.7%), and human adenovirus B (7.0%) being the top three viruses detected.
  • The top three bacteria detected were Haemophilus influenzae (35.6%), Mycoplasmoides pneumoniae (27.9%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (21.6%).
  • The research identified pathogens such as enterovirus (4.1%), parechovirus A (1.2%), dengue virus (1.0%), and Bordetella pertussis (2.0%) using tNGS.
  • Viral and bacterial detection rates exhibited different age-dependent patterns, significantly influencing coinfection dynamics.
  • Seasonal trends revealed significant variability, with certain pathogens peaking during winter-spring months and others demonstrating sustained prevalence across the year.

Statistics:

  • 64.7% of hospitalized children with ARIs tested positive for viruses.
  • 77.2% of hospitalized children with ARIs tested positive for bacteria.
  • The top three viruses detected were:

1. Human rhinovirus (18.5%)

2. Human respiratory syncytial virus B (7.7%)

3. Human adenovirus B (7.0%)

  • The top three bacteria detected were:

1. Haemophilus influenzae (35.6%)

2. Mycoplasmoides pneumoniae (27.9%)

3. Streptococcus pneumoniae (21.6%)

  • 1,468 hospitalized children with ARIs were analyzed using tNGS.

Sources:

  • Pathogen epidemiological study of hospitalized children with acute respiratory infections based on targeted next-generation sequencing. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, 2025;113(3):117017.
  • Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease: Elsevier Science Inc, Ste 800, 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169, USA. (www.elsevier.com; www.journals.elsevier.com/diagnostic-microbiology-and-infectious-disease/)
  • Jun Tang et al. (2025). Data on Respiratory Syncytial Viruses Reported by Jun Tang and Colleagues. Pediatrics Week. August 9, 2025; p 156.