Comparing of level of circulation of respiratory viruses during epidemic seasons 2015–2020 and COVID-19 pandemic in Saint Petersburg

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Respiratory viruses circulate everywhere. Problem of pandemic respiratory virus SARS-CoV-2 is especially relevant. The understanding of level of circulation of different viruses can help in developing a strategy of respiratory viruses combat.
 AIM: To compare circulation of respiratory viruses during different seasons.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: PCR-diagnostic.
 RESULTS: The most common viruses before the pandemic were influenza and respiratory syncytial viruses. COVID-19 pandemic season 2020/2021 had significant difference from previous epidemic seasons. Influenza viruses have largely disappeared, but the circulation of seasonal coronavirus and metapneumovirus has increased. The circulation of rhinovirus remained at the same level.
 CONCLUSIONS: The emergence of pandemic SARS-CoV-2 virus had a significant impact on some respiratory viruses circulation, such as influenza or respiratory syncytial viruses.