Pre-and Post-Pandemic Epidemiology of Rhinovirus Infections in Hospitalized Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Georgia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52340/GBMN.2026.01.01.173Keywords:
COVID-19, Pandemic, Pediatric, Rhinovirus, Seasonal DistributionAbstract
BACKGROUND. Rhinoviruses are among the most common causes of acute respiratory infections in children worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) significantly altered the epidemiology of respiratory pathogens. OBJECTIVES. To compare epidemiological and clinical characteristics of rhinovirus infections between the pre-pandemic (2018– 2019) and post-pandemic (2023–2024) periods, assess changes in seasonal distribution, evaluate age distribution differences, and analyze clinical severity indicators. METHODS. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at M. Iashvili Central Children's Hospital, Tbilisi, Georgia. A total of 429 laboratory-confirmed rhinovirus-positive cases were analyzed: 105 from the pre-pandemic period and 324 from the post- pandemic period. Demographic characteristics, seasonal distribution, oxygen therapy, ICU admission, comorbidities, and length of hospital stay were evaluated. RESULTS. While rhinovirus-positive cases increased in absolute numbers post-pandemic (105 vs. 324), positivity rates did not differ significantly between periods, suggesting higher testing volume rather than a true increase in disease burden. Seasonal patterns shifted from a winter predominance (53.3%) to a more homogeneous year-round circulation, with additional peaks in spring and autumn. Age distribution differed significantly (p=0.039), with the proportion hospitalized among school-aged children increasing from 11.4% to 24.4%. Clinical severity indicators decreased, including the need for oxygen therapy (69.5% vs 40.4%; p<0.001), while ICU admission showed a non-significant reduction (25.7% vs 16.4%; p=0.057). Patients with comorbidities had longer hospital stays (median 6 vs 3 days; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced rhinovirus epidemiology among hospitalized children in Georgia, leading to increased case numbers, altered seasonal patterns, and a shift toward older age groups. Continuous surveillance and targeted preventive strategies remain essential in the post-pandemic period.References
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