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Master of Public Health

Codetections of Other Respiratory Viruses Among Children Hospitalized With COVID-19

AUTHORS

Agathis NT , Patel K , Milucky J , Taylor CA , Whitaker M , Pham H , Anglin O , Chai SJ , Alden NB , Meek J , Anderson EJ , Weigel A , Kim S , Lynfield R , Smelser C , Muse A , Popham K , Billing LM , Sutton M , Talbot HK , George A , McMorrow M , Havers FP , , . Pediatrics. ; 151(2).

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical impact of respiratory virus codetections among children hospitalized with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

METHODS: During March 2020 to February 2022, the US coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network (COVID-NET) identified 4372 children hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted primarily for fever, respiratory illness, or presumed COVID-19. We compared demographics, clinical features, and outcomes between those with and without codetections who had any non-SARS-CoV-2 virus testing. Among a subgroup of 1670 children with complete additional viral testing, we described the association between presence of codetections and severe respiratory illness using age-stratified multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS: Among 4372 children hospitalized, 62% had non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory virus testing, of which 21% had a codetection. Children with codetections were more likely to be <5 years old (yo), receive increased oxygen support, or be admitted to the ICU (P < .001). Among children <5 yo, having any viral codetection (<2 yo: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.1 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-3.0]; 2-4 yo: aOR 1.9 [95% CI 1.2-3.1]) or rhinovirus/enterovirus codetection (<2 yo: aOR 2.4 [95% CI 1.6-3.7]; 2-4: aOR 2.4 [95% CI 1.2-4.6]) was significantly associated with severe illness. Among children <2 yo, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) codetections were also significantly associated with severe illness (aOR 1.9 [95% CI 1.3-2.9]). No significant associations were seen among children ≥5 yo.

CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory virus codetections, including RSV and rhinovirus/enterovirus, may increase illness severity among children <5 yo hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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