Distribución estacional de infecciones respiratorias por, COVID-19, influenza y virus sincitial según grupos etarios atendidos en laboratorio Bioanálisis

Sofía G. Álvarez Rosado; Jonathan A. Baque Pin

doi:10.70577/asce.v5i2.883

Authors

Sofía G. Álvarez Rosado Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8430-7569
Jonathan A. Baque Pin Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9457-845X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v5i2.883

Keywords:

Seasonality; Age; Respiratory diseases; Laboratory; Viruses

Abstract

Respiratory viruses are pathogens that infect the respiratory tract and represent a major public health problem in Machala due to the circulation of agents such as COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus, which affect different age groups. In this context, the objective of this research was to identify the annual variation of respiratory infections caused by these viruses according to their seasonal behavior, using data obtained from the Bioanálisis Clinical Laboratory in the city of Machala during 2024. A quantitative, descriptive, observational, retrospective study with a correlational scope was conducted. The study population consisted of 413 patients, of whom 157 positive cases constituted the sample. Data were collected through a documentary review of the laboratory database, based on the results of the tests corresponding to the 4-plex respiratory panel. Data processing was carried out using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and the chi-square test were used to analyze the data and determine associations between variables. The results showed a predominance of respiratory infections among adults aged 30 to 59 years (31.8%) and females (55.4%); Influenza A was the most frequent virus (56.7%), followed by COVID-19 (22.9%) and Influenza B (17.8%). In addition, the highest viral circulation was recorded during the dry season (66.2%), with a significant association observed between virus frequency and seasonality (p = 0.001). It is concluded that respiratory infections exhibit a defined seasonal and demographic pattern, supporting the importance of strengthening epidemiological surveillance and preventive strategies in the most vulnerable groups.

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