Ten different viral agents infecting and co-infecting children with acute gastroenteritis in Southern Italy: Role of known pathogens and emerging viruses during and after COVID-19 pandemic.

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) represents a world public health relevant problem especially in children. Enteric viruses are the pathogens mainly involved in the episodes of AGE, causing about 70.00% of the cases. Apart from well-known rotavirus (RVA), adenovirus (AdV) and norovirus (NoV), there are various emerging viral pathogens potentially associated with AGE episodes. In this study, the presence of ten different enteric viruses was investigated in 152 fecal samples collected from children hospitalized for gastroenteritis. Real time PCR results showed that 49.3% of them were positive for viral detection with the following prevalence: norovirus GII 19.7%, AdV 15.8%, RVA 10.5%, human parechovirus (HPeV) 5.3%, enterovirus (EV) 3.3%, sapovirus (SaV) 2.6%. Salivirus (SalV), norovirus GI and astrovirus (AstV) 1.3% each, aichivirus (AiV) found in only one patient. In 38.2% of feces only one virus was detected, while co-infections were identified in 11.8% of the cases. Among young patients, 105 were ≤5 years old and 56.0% tested positive for viral detection, while 47 were >5 years old with 40.0% of them infected. Results obtained confirm a complex plethora of viruses potentially implicated in gastroenteritis in children, with some of them previously known for other etiologies but detectable in fecal samples. Subsequent studies should investigate the role of these viruses in causing gastroenteritis and explore the possibility that other symptoms may be ascribed to multiple infections.

Short-term forecasts of Monkeypox cases in multiple countries: keep calm and don't panic.

We propose a parametric regression model for incidence indicators based on the use of the Richards' curve (a generalized logistic function) to analyse the current Monkeypox epidemic data for the most 10 affected countries worldwide. At present, results show that the outbreak is under control in most countries.

Molecular epidemiology on seasonal variation of yellow mosaic disease incidence in blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) with its vector Bemisia tabaci.

The yellow mosaic disease (YMD) of blackgram caused by Mungbean yellow mosaic virus has emerged as a serious threat to grain legume production, especially in Southeastern Asia. Seasonal incidence of YMD with its vector population was assessed in three different agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu in India for three consecutive cropping seasons namely, Rabi 2018 (October-December), Summer 2019 (March-May), and Kharif 2019 (June-August) at three different time intervals viz., 20, 40, and 60 days after sowing (DAS). For all three seasons, disease incidence and whitefly count were recorded for a resistant and susceptible variety of blackgram in fields without any vector control intervention. The highest disease incidence (87%) was observed in the Panpozhi location during the summer season followed by Vamban and Coimbatore locations. The whitefly count was made through both visual count and yellow sticky traps. The whitefly population was highest at 20 DAS and decreased with the increasing age of crop for all the three locations assessed. Molecular epidemiology was analyzed by determining latent infection of mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) using molecular diagnosis. Latent infection was found to be well pronounced in the Coimbatore location during the Kharif season, where the crop was asymptomatic in both the resistant and susceptible varieties for all the three time periods assessed. The latent infection of MYMV observed in Coimbatore and Vamban ranged from 16.6 to 83.3% in both resistant and susceptible varieties for all three seasons. In Panpozhi, the latent infection of MYMV ranged from 16.6 to 66.6% for the susceptible variety (CO-5) for all three seasons observed. However, in the Panpozhi location, the resistant variety (VBN-8) failed to record any latent infection.

Effect of a Regional Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Kawasaki Disease in Korea.

Purpose: The association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Kawasaki disease (KD) remains controversial. Prior to the nationwide epidemic of COVID-19, there was a unique, large-scale, regional outbreak in Daegu and Gyeonsangbuk-do (DG) in Korea in the spring of 2020. We evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on KD by comparing the characteristics of KD incidence between epidemic and non-epidemic regions in Korea. Patients and Methods: We analyzed nationwide Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) data to estimate KD incidence from February 2019 to July 2020. Patients below 18 years who were admitted with KD and administered both intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin (ICD-10 code M303 for KD) were included in the study. We compared the incidence of KD in DG and other regions by analyzing the period-specific incidence from February to May before and after the COVID-19 era. Results: A total of 4461 patients were identified to have KD nationwide from February 2019 to July 2020. The nationwide incidence of KD was significantly reduced during this period compared with the period from February 2018 to July 2019 (p < 0.001). In the DG region, within the 0-4-years age group, there was no significant difference in the incidence of KD between periods (p = 0.714). In the 5-9 years age group, a significant decrease in KD incidence was observed in the DG region and all other regions from February 2019 to July 2020. Conclusion: There was a significant decrease in nationwide KD incidence during and until 2 months after the local epidemic in Korea. However, no significant decrease in KD incidence was observed in the 0-4 years age group in the DG region where the local COVID-19 outbreak occurred. A larger study is necessary to determine the correlation between KD in this age group and the COVID-19 outbreak.

The association between short-term exposure to air pollutants and rotavirus infection in Wuhan, China.

BACKGROUND: The impact of various meteorological factors on rotavirus (RV) infection has been previously studied; however, few studies have explored the association between short-term exposure to air pollutants and RV infection. METHODS: Daily RV positive cases among children aged 0-6 years were collected from July 2014 to August 2019 in Tongji hospital (Wuhan, China). Daily data on air temperature and air pollutants were obtained from the China Meteorological Network. A distributed lag model to explore the lagged effects of short-term exposure to air pollutants and RV infection was performed. The distribution lag model was used to study the lag effect of short-term exposure to air pollutants and RV infection. RESULTS: RV infection was negatively correlated with mean air temperature and O3 concentration. The RV infection risk decreased by 5.2% and 0.47% for every 1℃ increase in average temperature and 1 ug/m3 increase in O3 concentration, respectively. Increased PM2.5 , SO2 , and NO2 concentrations were independent risk factors for an increase in positive rates; their relative risk values were 1.0014 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0013-1.0015), 1.0050 (95% CI, 1.0047-1.0053), and 1.0030 (95% CI, 1.0028-1.0032), respectively. The highest RV-positive rates were from January to March and November to December. Additionally, children <18 months of age and boys were more vulnerable to infection. CONCLUSIONS: Air pollutants were important factors impacting the RV-positivity of children in Wuhan. These findings may help develop an early environment-based warning system to prevent and control RV infection.

Genotyping of noroviruses from patients of the Pilsen University Hospital in the Czech Republic, 2017-2020.

OBJECTIVE: Noroviruses are members of the Caliciviridae family and are currently segregated into at least 10 genogroups. The distribution of these viruses in the Czech Republic has not yet been investigated in detail. A pilot study was performed to contribute to the overall knowledge and understanding of norovirus circulation in the population. Clinical specimens from patients diagnosed with norovirus infection during their hospitalization at the Pilsen University Hospital were genotyped. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 118 patients were diagnosed with norovirus infection between July 2017 and March 2020. Stool samples from patients presenting with gastroenteritis were routinely screened by the RIDA®QUICK Norovirus Test (R-Biopharm AG), a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Norovirus genogroups I and II, according to the manufacturers instructions. Norovirus positive samples were subsequently analysed by molecular biological methods. Stool suspensions (10%) were prepared with phosphate-buffered saline, and nucleic acid was extracted using the QIAamp Viral RNA kit (Qiagen) according to the manufacturers instructions. To investigate the genotype distribution, RT-PCR targeting specific sections of the norovirus genome (region C) was employed, followed by purification of PCR products using the QIAquick PCR Purification Kit (Qiagen) and sequencing (Eurofins Genomics). The sequences obtained were analysed by the MEGA X software, and the results of phylogenetic analyses were confirmed by Norovirus Typing Tool Version 2.0 (https://www.rivm.nl/mpf/typingtool/ norovirus/. RESULTS: During the study period, 14 norovirus genotypes or genogroup variants NoV GI, NoV GII and NoV GIX (previously NoV GII.15) were identified. The major genotype NoV GII.4 Sydney-2012 accounted for a total of 70.3% of norovirus gastroenteritis cases. This norovirus variant was detected in 24 months out of 34 months of the study period. In general, the number of norovirus infections increased during autumn and winter months (October to March) when 68 (57.6%) cases were diagnosed. Although norovirus infection was confirmed in all age categories (age range 0-96 years, median 8, mean 27.9), the statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the incidence of NoV GII.4 infection between the age group 0-4 years and older patients (χ2 = 3.95, P = 0.047). Many patients (51) were residents of the Pilsen-city district. The case history data showed that 35 of them (29.7%) had another family member who developed symptoms of gastroenteritis at the time of the onset of their infection. CONCLUSION: The pilot study is the first attempt to map the molecular epidemiology of noroviruses, not only in the Pilsen Region but also in the whole Czech Republic. Despite the relatively low number of officially reported cases, noroviruses are undoubtedly one of the most important causes of gastroenteritis in this country. Further studies are therefore necessary to expand the body of knowledge of their ecology and circulation.

Use of point-of-care molecular tests reduces hospitalization and oseltamivir administration in children presenting with influenza-like illness.

Influenza is associated with increased morbidity, healthcare costs, hospitalization rates, and mortality in children. Rapid immunochromatography assay (ICA), a test with low sensitivity, is often used as point-of-care (POC) test. Recently, the rapid syndromic molecular test FilmArray has become available. This observational study aims to evaluate whether the use of FilmArray would decrease the use of antivirals and hospitalization rates among children presenting to the emergency room (ER) with influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms. Nasopharyngeal swabs were prospectively collected from children, aged 0-16 years, presenting with ILI at the ER of a tertiary hospital during the peak endemic period. Patients were allocated to be tested by either FilmArray or ICA. The use of antivirals and hospitalization rates were noted. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the impact of testing methods on decision-making. Overall, 80 children were included (mean age: 5 years). Admissions were more likely to occur if an ICA test was performed (OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.01-9.82; p = .046). Oseltamivir administration was more likely among children who had undergone the ICA test (OR, 4.67; 95% CI, 1.06-20.43; p = .041). The implementation of rapid molecular test had no impact on complementary diagnostic testing or antibacterial prescription. The use of FilmArray significantly reduced both hospitalization and oseltamivir administration in children. Further knowledge on the use of POC tests is required to improve current management of children presenting with ILI and decrease associated healthcare costs.

The difference in mortality between adult patients with laboratory documented influenza A and B, a single centre retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal influenza is an annual occurrence that leads to large community outbreaks and increased hospitalization. A number of studies have suggested that influenza A (FLUAV) is associated with increased rates of hospitalization and mortality compared with influenza B (FLUBV). This study compared demographic and clinical variables in patients diagnosed with FLUAV or FLUBV during the 2017-2018 UK Influenza season. METHODS: Patient demographic and clinical information were obtained by accessing medical records of patients testing FLUAV or FLUBV positive using the Cepheid GXP. We used the χ2 test to compare variables in patients with laboratory-confirmed FLUAV and FLUBV. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-seven adult patients had confirmed Influenza, 71 (55.9%) had FLUAV, and 56 (44.1%) FLUBV. There was no significant difference between severity at presentation, admission to HDU/ITU or median length of stay. The overall mortality was 6 (4.5%) and 9 (7.1%) at 7 and 30 days, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in 7-day mortality between patients with FLUAV and FLUBV, 1 (1.4%) versus 5 (8.9%), respectively, p = .047) although this became nonsignificant at 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: With the exception of mortality, we did not observe significant differences between patients with FLUAV and FLUBV. Seven-day mortality in patients with FLUBV was significantly higher with FLUAV, although this was was not apparent at 30 days.

Genetic characterization of dengue virus serotype 2 isolated from dengue fever outbreaks in eastern Uttar Pradesh and western Bihar, India.

Dengue (DEN) is the most common cause of mosquito-borne endemic viral diseases in the tropical and subtropical countries. DEN outbreaks associated with multiple dengue virus (DV) serotypes have been regularly reported in different parts of India. This study was done during DEN outbreaks in 2015 to 2016 in UP and Bihar where DEN-2 was found as the only prevalent serotype. DV-2 was the only serotype amplified in serotype-specific reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction from sera of 210 (65.21%) out of 322 DV NS1 antigen-positive patients. Further genetic analysis based on full-length envelope (E) protein sequence derived from patient's sera as well as DV isolate showed the circulation of lineages I and III of DV-2 cosmopolitan genotype during 2015 and lineage II during 2016. Finally, the phylogenetic analysis using the E gene sequence revealed that these DV-2 strains have a close genetic relationship with the recently reported DV-2 genotypes from DEN outbreaks reported from different parts of north India. These results showed the circulation of cosmopolitan genotype of DV-2 in eastern Uttar Pradesh and western Bihar, India. The genetic database generated on circulating DV strains in this study will be useful as reference for disease surveillance and strengthening laboratory diagnosis protocols.

Idiopathic TTP in the Middle East: Epidemiology and clinical outcomes in infection associated episodes.

INTRODUCTION: Literature on epidemiology of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in the Middle East is scarce. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively examined the association between infection and clinical outcomes in 44 patients with idiopathic TTP, with severely deficient ADAMTS13. We also investigated seasonality of the disease, hoping to better understand the epidemiology of idiopathic TTP. RESULTS: Summer demonstrated significantly lower incidence for idiopathic TTP, compared with other seasons P = 0.0003. Fourteen patients had 15 episodes with a suspected concomitant infection. Five initial episodes were triggered by an infection (33.3 %), all presenting in winter, six episodes were associated with an exacerbation (40 %) and infection triggered a relapse in the other four episodes (26.7 %), with 2 episodes presenting in winter. TTP associated infections included: central line infection, urinary tract infection and post-operative infection. One patient had respiratory tract infection, on both his initial and relapsing episodes. Refractoriness to treatment was demonstrated in 4 patients (28.6 %) and it was associated with dental abscess (one patient), septic shock (one patient) and Mycoplasma pneumonia (2 patients). All 4 patients had markedly elevated CRP values with a median of 335 mg/L. CONCLUSION: Most of the infection associated episodes developed in winter (77.8 %). In patients with idiopathic TTP refractory to conventional treatment, infection should be seriously considered as an additional contributing factor for their initial and /or recurrent episodes, particularly when CRP is markedly elevated.

Weathering the pandemic: How the Caribbean Basin can use viral and environmental patterns to predict, prepare, and respond to COVID-19.

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic is developing at different paces throughout the world. Some areas, like the Caribbean Basin, have yet to see the virus strike at full force. When it does, there is reasonable evidence to suggest the consequent COVID-19 outbreaks will overwhelm healthcare systems and economies. This is particularly concerning in the Caribbean as pandemics can have disproportionately higher mortality impacts on lower and middle-income countries. Preliminary observations from our team and others suggest that temperature and climatological factors could influence the spread of this novel coronavirus, making spatiotemporal predictions of its infectiousness possible. This review studies geographic and time-based distribution of known respiratory viruses in the Caribbean Basin in an attempt to foresee how the pandemic will develop in this region. This review is meant to aid in planning short- and long-term interventions to manage outbreaks at the international, national, and subnational levels in the region.

A decade-long temporal analyses of human group-A rotavirus among children with gastroenteritis: Prevaccination scenario in West Bengal, eastern India.

Despite the significant reduction in the global infantile death toll due to rotaviral diarrhea, India still contributes substantially to rotavirus-related hospitalization as well as mortality rates. The rotavirus surveillance study conducted from 2008 through 2017 among children (≤5 years) with moderate to severe gastroenteritis seeking healthcare facilities at two hospitals in eastern India, revealed a change in the proportion of rotavirus positivity, seasonality, and age-group specificity along with the cycling of different usual and unusual genotypes in this endemic setting. G1 strains predominated during 2008-2010, while G2 and G9 genotypes eventually upsurged during 2011-2013. G1 strains re-established their lead during 2013-2015, while G3 emerged for the first time in eastern India in 2015 and rooted itself as the cardinal strain 2016 onwards. Evolutionary analyses of all the predominant genotypes (G1, G2, G3, and G9) revealed that they were mostly phylogenetically distant to the rotavirus vaccine strains as depicted in the phylogenetic dendrogram. These decade-long epidemiological studies during the pre-vaccination period in West Bengal (eastern India) underscore the cocirculation of multiple rotavirus genotypes in addition to sporadic occurrence of zoonotic strains like G10P[6] and G11P[25].

Influenza Sentinel Surveillance and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection in a Reference Hospital in Southern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We report the results of the active surveillance of influenza infections in hospitalized patients and the evaluation of the seasonality and correlation with temperature and rainfall data. METHODS: During the 2-year study period, 775 patients were tested for 15 respiratory viruses (RVs). RESULTS: Most of the 57% of (n=444) virus-positive samples were human rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. However, 10.4% (n=46) were influenza virus (80% FluA; 20% FluB). Age and SARI were significantly associated with influenza. FluB circulation was higher is 2013. CONCLUSIONS: In the post-epidemic period, influenza remains an important cause of hospitalization in SARI patients.

High incidence of rhinovirus infection in children with community-acquired pneumonia from a city in the Brazilian pre-Amazon region.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of child death worldwide. Viruses are the most common pathogens associated with CAP in children, but their incidence varies greatly. This study investigated the presence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, human rhinovirus (HRV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), human coronavirus (HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-NL63), and influenza A virus (FluA) in children with CAP and the contributing risk factors. Here, children with acute respiratory infections were screened by pediatrics; and a total of 150 radiographically-confirmed CAP patients (aged 3 months to 10 years) from two clinical centers in Sao Luis, Brazil were recruited. Patient's clinical and epidemiological data were recorded. Nasopharyngeal swab and tracheal aspirate samples were collected to extract viral nucleic acid. RSV, adenovirus, rhinovirus, FluA, HMPV, HCoV-OC43, and HCoV-NL63 were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The severe CAP was associated with ages between 3 and 12 months. Viruses were detected in 43% of CAP patients. Rhinovirus infections were the most frequently identified (68%). RSV, adenovirus, FluA, and coinfections were identified in 14%, 14%, 5%, and 15% of children with viral infection, respectively. Rhinovirus was associated with nonsevere CAP (P = .014); RSV, FluA, and coinfections were associated with severe CAP (P < .05). New strategies for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory infections, mainly rhinovirus and RSV infections, are necessary.

Prevalence, risk factors and clinical characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus-associated lower respiratory tract infections in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common pathogen affecting the respiratory tract in infants. To date, there is limited data on RSV occurrence in Malaysia especially in the northeast of Peninsular Malaysia which is significantly affected by the rainy (monsoon) season. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors (the presence of a male sibling and older school-age siblings, parental education level, monthly income, chronic lung disease, immunocompromised, being a passive smoker, multipara, breastfeeding, prematurity, congenital heart disease, nursery attendance, and rainy season) as well as clinical manifestations of RSV in hospitalized infants and children with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Patients' nasopharyngeal aspirates were tested for RSV antigen, questionnaires, and seasonal variations were used to assess RSV infection. Approximately 22.6% of children were infected with RSV; mean age 7.68 ± 5.45 months. The peak incidence of RSV as a causative agent for LRTI in infants was less than or equal to 1-year old (83%) with approximately 50.5% of the affected children in the younger age group (6 months amd below). RSV infection was significantly but independently associated with the rainy season (odds ratio, 3.307; 95% confidence interval, 1.443-3.688; P < 0.001). The infection was also associated ( P < 0.05) with a higher number of severe clinical courses, poor feeding, vomiting, increased need for medical care and a shorter mean duration of symptoms before hospital admission. Our study suggested administration of the passive prophylaxis for RSV to high-risk infants during the rainy season in the months of October to January.

Respiratory syncytial virus infection among adults during influenza season: A frequently overlooked diagnosis.

Our objective is to assess the characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in adult patients and to establish differences with influenza viruses. Fifty-four patients diagnosed with RSV and 198 with influenza were prospectively included. Compared with influenza, empirical antimicrobial therapy was more frequent in patients diagnosed with RSV, whereas antibiotic withdrawal at the time of diagnosis confirmation was lower (OR, 0.12; CI, 95% 0.01-0.90; P = 0.040). RSV-positive patients were more likely to need hospital readmission (OR, 3.00; CI, 95% 0.98-9.09; P = 0.053). The role of RSV infection in adults is often overlooked, leading to inappropriate use of antibiotics and a probable increase in nosocomial RSV transmission.

Respiratory syncytial virus-associated illness in adults with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or congestive heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is recognized as a serious pathogen in people with chronic cardiopulmonary conditions. Immunoprophylaxis might be considered for adults at high-risk for frequent and severe RSV infection. Thus, we studied the incidence of RSV-related medically attended acute respiratory illness (MARI) in adults with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS: Subjects ≥50 years of age with Gold Class III/IV COPD and/or American Heart Association class III/IV CHF and exposure to children ≥once per month were recruited. Subjects were evaluated over 1.5 to 2.5 years for RSV-associated MARI, defined as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or seroresponse. RESULTS: Four hundred forty-five subjects were enrolled between October 2011 and May 2012. Overall, 99 RSV infections were documented by PCR or serology for a cumulative incidence of 22.2%. Of these, 42 (9.4%) subjects had protocol-specified RSV-MARI for an incidence of 4.68/100 patient-seasons. All-cause MARI was common (63.85/100 patient-seasons) with rhinovirus most commonly identified. CONCLUSION: RSV infection was common in adults with severe COPD and/or advanced CHF. Given the severity of underlying cardiopulmonary diseases in the study population, most illnesses were surprisingly mild. Thus, active immunization rather than passive immunoprophylaxis with monoclonal antibodies may be a more cost-effective strategy.

Genetic characterization of human metapneumovirus identified through community and facility-based surveillance of infants in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children in low and middle-income countries. Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of the most common viral etiological agents for ARIs in children. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we explored the genotypic diversity and the epidemiology of hMPV among infants in Dhaka, Bangladesh. STUDY DESIGN: Between December 2014 and August 2016, a total of 3810 mid-turbinate nasal swab samples were collected from infants (0 to 6 months of age) who met clinical ARI criteria, as a part of a prospective ARI cohort study. hMPV was detected using polymerase chain reaction, and genotyped by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: hMPV was identified in 206 (5.4%) nasal swab specimens. One-tenth of the hMPV-positive swabs (n = 19) were also positive for other respiratory viruses. hMPV activity peaked in January and September in 2015; however, no seasonal pattern of hMPV infection was detected. Phylogenetic analyses of the N and F gene-fragments revealed that the hMPV strains circulating in Dhaka, Bangladesh, belonged to three genotypes: A2b, A2c, and B1. Genotype A (57%) was the predominant hMPV genotype circulating in Bangladesh during the study period. CONCLUSION: This study describes both the epidemiology of hMPV infection and its genotypic strain diversity in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Etiology of viral respiratory infections in Northern Lao People's Democratic Republic.

In Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), acute respiratory infections overburden the health care system, but viral etiology, genetic diversity, and seasonality, especially in light of the introduction of influenza vaccination in the country, are poorly understood. From August 2010 to April 2011, 309 outpatients were recruited at the Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital covering highland Lao communities. Nasopharyngeal swabs were screened for the presence of 13 respiratory viruses. At least one virus was detected in 69.6% and dual/triple viral infections in 12.9%/1.9% of the patients. Influenza A and B viruses combined were the most frequently detected pathogens, followed by human adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The other viruses were detected in less than 10% of the patients. Phylogenetic analyses on a representative set of RSV strains revealed that, while otherwise very rare, the RSV-B CB1/THB genotype cocirculated with other common genotypes. A single wave of influenza virus and RSV activity was observed during the rainy season, providing further support to influenza vaccination before the onset of the rains. This study provides recommendations for influenza vaccination that still needs optimization and highlights the need for revised guidelines for treatment and prevention of respiratory infections in Lao PDR, as well as for increased surveillance efforts.