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Viral co-infection with human respiratory syncytial virus in suspected acute and severe respiratory tract infections during COVID-19 pandemic in Yaoundé-Cameroon, 2020-2021
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  • Moïse Henri MOUMBEKET YIFOMNJOU,
  • Gwladys Monamele,
  • Mohammed NJANKOUO RIPA,
  • Abdou Fatawou Modiyinji,
  • Paul Alain NGOUPO,
  • Onana BOYOMO,
  • Richard NJOUOM
Moïse Henri MOUMBEKET YIFOMNJOU
Centre Pasteur du Cameroun

Corresponding Author:henrimoumbeket92@gmail.com

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Gwladys Monamele
Centre Pasteur du Cameroun
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Mohammed NJANKOUO RIPA
Centre Pasteur du Cameroun
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Abdou Fatawou Modiyinji
Centre Pasteur du Cameroun
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Paul Alain NGOUPO
Centre Pasteur du Cameroun
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Onana BOYOMO
University of Yaounde 1 Faculty of Sciences
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Richard NJOUOM
Centre Pasteur du Cameroun
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Abstract

Background: Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) are one leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people of all ages worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The purpose of this study was to determine epidemiological characteristics of respiratory viruses in ARI patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Methods: Patients were monitored for respiratory symptoms as part of surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viral infections. Patients of all ages with respiratory symptoms less than 5 days were considered. Sociodemographic and clinical data as well as nasopharyngeal samples was collected from patients. Nasopharyngeal samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction methods. Virus distribution and demographic data were analyzed with R version 2.15.1. Results: From July 2020 to October 2021, 1120 patients were included. The overall viral detection rate was 32.5%, including 9.5 % for RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), 12.6 % for influenza virus and 12.8 % for SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). Co-infections were detected in 6.9% of positive cases. While RSV and influenza virus showed seasonal trends, SARS-CoV-2 was detected throughout the study period. Conclusion: We found that during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, respiratory viruses play an important role in aetiology of influenza-like illness in Cameroon, and this observation was true for patients of all ages.
19 Sep 2022Submitted to Influenza and other respiratory viruses
20 Sep 2022Submission Checks Completed
20 Sep 2022Assigned to Editor
26 Jan 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
08 Mar 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 Mar 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
10 Mar 20231st Revision Received
14 Mar 2023Submission Checks Completed
14 Mar 2023Assigned to Editor
14 Mar 2023Editorial Decision: Accept