Molecular detection and clinical characteristics of bacterial and viral main etiological agents causing respiratory tract infections in Tehran, Iran

ABSTRACT

Background Respiratory tract infections are one of the most important infections among military personals, worldwide. The present study aimed to survey the prevalence of bacterial and viral main etiological agents causing respiratory tract infections among military personnel in Iran. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed from November 2020 to March 2021. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from patients, military personnel with respiratory tract infection symptoms. Detection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was performed with one step qRT-PCR method. TaqMan probe-based real-time PCR assay was used for the detection of influenza A and B viruses. The prevalence of adenovirus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae were determined using nested PCR. Moreover, Bordetella pertussis and Streptococcus pyogenes were identified by conventional PCR assay. The detection of Haemophilus influenzae was performed by the multiplex PCR method. Results Overall, 145 patients were included. Among viral pathogens, COVID-19, influenza A virus, and adenovirus were identified in 85.5%, 4.1%, and 1.4% of patients, respectively. Influenza B virus was not detected among military personnel. The frequency of bacteria etiological agents was as follows S. pyogenes (2%), M. pneumoniae (0.7%), H. influenzae (0%), and B. pertussis (0%). Muscle aches (75.9%), headache (70.3%), lethargy (69%), cough (66.2%), stuffy nose (56.6%), fever (53.8%), and sore throat (53.1%) were among the most common clinical symptoms. Conclusions Results showed that the military personals are the susceptible group to COVID-19 infection. Therefore, the accurate detection and implementation of control strategies such as vaccination are necessary.