Características de las infecciones respiratorias de origen viral en un hospital de Colombia, 2022-2024

Objective: To characterize acute viral respiratory infections diagnosed between March 2022 and June 2024 in a hospital in Colombia. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study including all patients with respiratory symptoms who had positive nasopharyngeal swab samples. The FilmArray respiratory panel was used to detect respiratory pathogens. The variables analyzed included: sex, type of healthcare affliation, ethnic background, fnal condition based on hospital care (discharged, referred, or deceased), area and province of origin. These variables were expressed using absolute and relative frequencies. Results: A total of 1,246 respiratory test results were reviewed, with an age range of 0 to 85 years and a median age of 3.1 years (IQR: 0.4–3.0) (SD: 8.7 years). Based on the fnal condition of each case, 71.1% were discharged and 0.4% died. The most frequently identifed microorganisms were human rhinovirus/enterovirus (29.7%) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (20.3%). The highest number of cases was reported during the rainy seasons, especially between May and September. The year 2022 had the highest number of reported cases (67.0%). Conclusion: The frequency of detected viruses was associated with age and seasonality, with the most affected age group being 1 to 5 years, and RSV being the main pathogen. Emphasis should be placed on the development of future vaccines, as well as public health intervention strategies and social measures.