This observational study reveals a significant decline in respiratory pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating changes in infection patterns among hospitalized patients.
Key Points
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a notable decrease in respiratory pathogen infections, dropping from 32.05% to 11.48%.
Among the common pathogens, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila showed different detection rates before and during the pandemic.
Children experienced significantly higher infection rates (73.21%) than adults and older adults, indicating varying vulnerability.
Positivity for several respiratory pathogens declined, while detection of Legionella increased, suggesting shifts in respiratory infection dynamics.