Martin Nyahoda, Ngonda Saasa, Katendi Changula, Walter Muleya, Zachariah Mupila, Chilufya Chikoti, Gift Moonga, Catherine Sutcliffe, Geoffrey Kwenda, Edgar Simulundu
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: In Zambia, knowledge on the landscape of respiratory pathogens that circulated during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is limited.
Aim: This study investigated respiratory pathogens that circulated in Zambia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Setting: Nasopharyngeal specimens collected between July 2020 and July 2021 for COVID-19 testing in hospitals, ports of entry, persons seeking certificates for international travel and in communities were used.
Methods: Proportional age-stratified sampling was used to select 128 specimens. The samples were screened for 33 other respiratory pathogens using the Fast Track Diagnostics multiplex molecular assay.
Results: Overall, 71.1% (n = 91/128) tested positive for at least one respiratory pathogen. Bacterial respiratory pathogens were more predominant (70.3%, n = 90/128) than viral (51.6%, n = 66/128). Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent, detected in 22.7% (n = 29/128). The prevalence of influenza was 13.3% (n = 17/128). Rhinovirus had a prevalence of 3.1% (n = 4/128), while it was 10.1% (n = 13/128) for adenovirus. Children, adolescents and the elderly accounted for most influenza-positive specimens, 76.5% (n = 13/17), while 100% (n = 3/3) of specimens positive for Moraxella catarrhalis were from children. All specimens testing positive for Haemophilus influenzae, 100% (n = 5/5) were from children and adolescents. Co-infections were detected in 57.1% (n = 52/91) of specimens testing positive for at least one pathogen.
Conclusion: Bacterial respiratory pathogens appeared to predominate circulation during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Contribution: Bacterial respiratory pathogens should not be neglected when implementing public health mitigation measures.
期刊介绍：
The Journal of Public Health in Africa (JPHiA) is a peer-reviewed, academic journal that focuses on health issues in the African continent. The journal editors seek high quality original articles on public health related issues, reviews, comments and more. The aim of the journal is to move public health discourse from the background to the forefront. The success of Africa’s struggle against disease depends on public health approaches.
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