Selahattin ÜNLÜ, Melahat GÜRBÜZ, Betül Fatmanur YILDIRIM, Cengiz DEMİR
Medical Records - 2026;8(1):1-11
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution, seasonal variations, co-infection patterns and age group differences of viral and bacterial agents detected by syndromic panel method in patients with acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI). Material and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in a single center between February 2023 and January 2024, nasopharyngeal swab samples of 453 patients with suspected ARTI were analyzed using QIAstat-Dx Respiratory Panel (Qiagen(R)). The panel detects 22 viral and atypical bacterial agents. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 26.0. Results: At least one agent was detected in 45.2% of patients and positivity was significantly higher in the pediatric group (62.7%) compared to adults (33.2%) (p<0.001). The most common agents were rhinovirus/enterovirus (29.1%), SARS-CoV-2 (11.9%), influenza B (11.1%) and influenza A (11.1%). The positivity rate increased in winter and spring and decreased significantly in summer (p<0.001). Co-infection was observed in 22.9% of cases; the most common co-infection was adenovirus+rhinovirus. Bacterial agents were very rare (<1%). Conclusion: Syndromic panel testing demonstrated that the spectrum of agents in ARTIs is broad and predominantly viral. The positivity rate is high in children and during cold seasons. The rapid and accurate results of the test, provide valuable information for epidemiological surveillance and support appropriate treatment selection; thus, it has the potential to reduce antibiotic use.
