Abstract：
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, rhinovirus (RV) remained notable persistence, maintaining its presence while other seasonal respiratory viruses were largely suppressed by pandemic restrictions during national lockdowns. This research explores the epidemiological dynamics of RV infections among pediatric populations on Hainan Island, China, specifically focusing on the impact before and after the zero-COVID policy was lifted. From January 2021 to December 2023, 19 680 samples were collected from pediatric patients hospitalized with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) at the Hainan Maternal and Child Health Hospital. The infection of RV was detected by tNGS. RV species and subtypes were identified in 32 RV-positive samples representing diverse time points by analyzing the VP4/VP2 partial regions. Among the 19 680 pediatric inpatients with ARTIs analyzed, 21.55% were found to be positive for RV infection, with notable peaks observed in April 2021 and November 2022. A gradual annual decline in RV infections was observed, alongside a seasonal pattern of higher prevalence during the colder months. The highest proportion of RV infections was observed in the 0-1-year age group. Phylogenetic analysis on 32 samples indicated a trend from RV-A to RV-C in 2022. This observation suggests potential evolving dynamics within the RV species although further studies are needed due to the limited sample size. The research emphasizes the necessity for ongoing surveillance and targeted management, particularly for populations highly susceptible to severe illnesses caused by RV infections.
摘要：
在整个COVID-19大流行期间，鼻病毒（RV）仍然存在，保持其存在，而其他季节性呼吸道病毒在国家封锁期间受到大流行限制的很大程度上抑制。本研究探讨了海南岛儿童人群RV感染的流行病学动态。中国,特别关注零COVID政策解除前后的影响。从2021年1月至2023年12月，从海南省妇幼保健院急性下呼吸道感染（ARTI）住院的儿科患者中收集了19680份样本。通过tNGS检测RV的感染。通过分析VP4/VP2部分区域，在代表不同时间点的32个RV阳性样品中鉴定出RV物种和亚型。在分析的19680名儿科ARTI住院患者中，发现21.55%的RV感染呈阳性，在2021年4月和2022年11月观察到显著的峰值。观察到RV感染每年逐渐下降，在寒冷月份患病率较高的季节性模式。在0-1岁年龄组中观察到RV感染的比例最高。对32个样本的系统发育分析表明，2022年从RV-A到RV-C的趋势。这一观察表明RV物种内潜在的进化动力学，尽管由于样本量有限，还需要进一步的研究。该研究强调了持续监测和有针对性管理的必要性，特别是对于由RV感染引起的严重疾病的高度易感人群。
