{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Ten-year retrospective data analysis reveals frequent respiratory co-infections in hospitalized patients in Augsburg.
{Author}: Krammer M;Hoffmann R;Ruf HG;Neumann AU;Traidl-Hoffmann C;Goekkaya M;Gilles S;
{Journal}: iScience
{Volume}: 27
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: 2024 Jun 21
{Factor}: 6.107
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110136
{Abstract}: Clinical data on the types of respiratory pathogens which are most frequently engaged in respiratory co-infections of children and adults are lacking. We analyzed 10 years of data on a total of over 15,000 tests for 16 viral and bacterial pathogens detected in clinical samples at the University Hospital of Augsburg, Germany. Co-infection frequencies and their seasonal patterns were examined using a proportional distribution model. Co-infections were detected in 7.3% of samples, with a higher incidence in children and males. The incidence of interbacterial and interviral co-infections was higher than expected, whereas bacterial-viral co-infections were less frequent. H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were most frequently involved. Most co-infections occurred in winter, but distinct summer peaks were also observed, which occurred even in children, albeit less pronounced than in adults. Seasonality of respiratory (co-)infections decreased with age. Our results suggest to adjust existing testing strategies during high-incidence periods.