Epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus infections in hospitalized children under five years with acute respiratory infections in Qingdao, China: a cross-sectional study (2023-2025)
10.3760/cma.j.cn113903-20250831-00483
- VernacularTitle:2023年至2025年青岛地区5岁以下急性呼吸道感染住院患儿的呼吸道合胞病毒流行特征：横断面研究
- Author:
Ke YUAN
1
;
Wenfeng MU
;
Meng LYU
;
Yuping YANG
;
Xiuxiang LIU
Author Information
1. 青岛市妇女儿童医院新生儿科，青岛 266000
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Respiratory syncytial virus infections;
Respiratory tract infections;
Epidemiological studies;
Infant;
Inpatients
- From:
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine
2025;28(12):1035-1041
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in hospitalized children under five years of age with acute respiratory infections in Qingdao, China, from 2023 to 2025.Methods:This cross-sectional study enrolled children under five years hospitalized with acute respiratory infections between May 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025. Nucleic acid testing was performed for six respiratory pathogens. Participants were stratified into seven age groups: 0 to 28 days, 29 days to <6 months, 6 to <12 months, 1 to <2 years, 2 to <3 years, 3 to <4 years, and 4 to <5 years. Intergroup differences were analyzed using Chi-square tests, with Bonferroni correction (adjusted α=0.016 7) for peak rate comparisons across three epidemic seasons. Results:Among 16 613 children, RSV was detected in 3 280 cases (19.74%), representing the highest pathogen detection rate. Infants under one year accounted for 56.37% (1 849/3 280) of RSV-positive cases, with significantly higher positivity rates in the 0-28 days [25.22% (286/1 134)], 29 days to <6 months [26.66% (1 072/4 021)], and 6 to <12 months [24.92% (491/1 970)] groups compared to other age groups ( χ2=314.20, P<0.001). Co-infections occurred in 13.66% (448/3 280) of RSV-positive cases, primarily with rhinovirus (6.13%, 201/ 3 280), followed by adenovirus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (3.35% each, 110/3 280). Epidemiological surveillance revealed an off-season outbreak from May to July 2023 (duration ≥14 weeks, peak positivity rate 71.15%), while both 2024 (20 weeks, peak 52.55%) and 2025 (24 weeks, peak 46.49%) exhibited typical winter-spring seasonal patterns. The 2023 peak rate significantly exceeded those of subsequent years (all pairwise P<0.016 7). Conclusion:RSV is the predominant pathogen among hospitalized children under five years with acute respiratory infections in Qingdao, with infants under one year representing the highest-risk population. The epidemiological pattern demonstrates a transition from post-pandemic off-season outbreaks to prolonged winter-spring epidemics, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and targeted prevention strategies.
