This retrospective observational study aims to evaluate changes in the prevalence and distribution of respiratory pathogens detected by multiplex respiratory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The study includes 537 patients presenting with respiratory infection symptoms at a tertiary care center. Patients were divided into pandemic-period and post-pandemic-period groups, and respiratory pathogen profiles were compared between the groups.
The study investigates the epidemiological impact of COVID-19-related public health measures on respiratory pathogen circulation patterns, including bacterial and viral respiratory infections. The findings may contribute to improved respiratory infection surveillance, diagnostic strategies, and post-pandemic public health preparedness.
Who can participate
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults and/or pediatric patients presenting with respiratory infection symptoms
* Patients who underwent multiplex respiratory PCR testing
* Patients with complete demographic and laboratory records
* Patients included during the defined pandemic or post-pandemic study periods
Exclusion Criteria:
* Incomplete laboratory or demographic data
* Duplicate test records from the same infection episode
* Invalid or inconclusive PCR results
* Patients without respiratory infection symptoms
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in the prevalence of respiratory pathogens between the pandemic and post-pandemic periods
Timeframe: Retrospectively assessed at the time of respiratory PCR testing during the study periods. Pandemic period: March 2020 - May 2023 Post-pandemic period: June 2023 - December 202