Clinical Evaluation and Identification of Human Coronavirus Infections in Children with Acute Respiratory Infections in Xiamen, China, 2022–2024 - Report - MDSpire

Clinical Evaluation and Identification of Human Coronavirus Infections in Children with Acute Respiratory Infections in Xiamen, China, 2022–2024

  • By

  • Xiu-Ping Liu

  • Hao Chen

  • Li Yao

  • Wei Su

  • February 9, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Evaluation and Identification of Human Coronavirus Infections in Children

Overview

This study evaluates human coronavirus (HCoV) infections in pediatric patients with acute respiratory infections at Xiamen Children’s Hospital from January 2022 to June 2024. It highlights the clinical characteristics and outcomes of HCoV-positive cases compared to those with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Background

Human coronaviruses are typically associated with mild respiratory illnesses but can lead to severe complications in children and immunocompromised individuals. Understanding the epidemiology and clinical impact of HCoV is crucial for public health strategies aimed at managing respiratory infections. This study provides valuable insights into HCoV infections in a pediatric population, contributing to the limited data available on this topic.

Data Highlights

YearCases of ARTI
20226230
20236439
2024 (first half)2612

Key Findings

  • 80 pediatric patients were identified with HCoV mono-infection.
  • 132 RSV mono-infected cases were established for clinical comparison.
  • HCoV infections peaked in late autumn/early winter, with OC43, NL63, and HKU1 being the most common subtypes.
  • Clinical presentations of HCoV infections included bronchopneumonia and acute bronchitis.
  • Statistical analysis showed significant differences in clinical features between HCoV and RSV infections.

Clinical Implications

The findings underscore the importance of HCoV surveillance in pediatric populations, particularly during peak seasons. Clinicians should consider HCoV in differential diagnoses for children presenting with acute respiratory infections, especially those with severe symptoms.

Conclusion

This study enhances the understanding of HCoV infections in children, highlighting their clinical relevance and the need for targeted public health strategies. Continued research and surveillance are essential for effective management of respiratory infections in pediatric patients.

References

  1. Detection and clinical analysis of human coronavirus infection in pediatric patients with acute respiratory tract infection in the Xiamen Area, China, 2022–2024 | BMC Infectious Diseases | Springer Nature Link
  2. Infection — Evolving Patterns in Viral Respiratory Tract Infections Post-Pandemic: A Shift in Epidemiology
  3. Infection — Swift Identification of Acute Respiratory Infections in Children Using Point-of-Care and Multiplex Molecular Testing
  4. WHO launches new, unified plan for countries to manage coronaviruses: COVID-19 and beyond
  5. Infection — Inflammatory Responses Mimicking Bacterial Infections in Pediatric Adenovirus Cases Result in Misuse of Antibiotics: Findings from a Multicenter Cohort Analysis
  6. The Journal of Infectious Diseases — Hospitalizations for Pediatric Acute Respiratory Viruses: A Cohort Analysis from 2017 to 2024
  7. WHO launches new, unified plan for countries to manage coronaviruses: COVID-19 and beyond
  8. Detection and clinical analysis of human coronavirus infection in pediatric patients with acute respiratory tract infection in the Xiamen Area, China, 2022–2024 | BMC Infectious Diseases | Springer Nature Link
  9. IDSA 2025 Guidelines on the Use of Vaccines for the Prevention of Seasonal COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

Original Source(s)

Clinical Evaluation and Identification of Human Coronavirus Infections in Children with Acute Respiratory Infections in Xiamen, China, 2022–2024

  • by Xiu-Ping Liu, Hao Chen, Li Yao, Wei Su

  • February 9, 2026

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