Epidemiological characteristics of respiratory pathogens in Changchun, Jilin Province, China, following the pandemic

This study investigates the changes in the epidemiological patterns of six common respiratory pathogens in Changchun City, Jilin Province, following the pandemic. Nucleic acid detection using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed on collected samples. Results showed that human rhinovirus (23.18%) and influenza A virus (22.88%) were the most common pathogens in single-virus infections. The combination of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and adenovirus accounted for 18.57% in mixed infections. Gender distribution revealed a slightly higher detection rate in females (49.81%) than in males (44.41%), though the difference was not statistically significant. Age-stratified analysis showed that children ≤ 14 years had the highest infection rates for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and human rhinovirus (22.22%). Among 15-17-year-olds, the influenza A virus was most prevalent (26.23%). In adults, the influenza A virus (22.47%) and human rhinovirus (24.54%) were the dominant pathogens, while in the elderly (≥60), influenza A (36.54%) and respiratory syncytial virus (25%) were the leading causes of infection. Seasonal analysis indicated autumn and winter were peak seasons for respiratory infections, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza returning to pre-pandemic patterns. Human rhinovirus exhibited year-round circulation. These findings offer important insights into the shifting epidemiology of respiratory pathogens post-pandemic.