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World J Virol. Dec 25, 2024; 13(4): 98600
Published online Dec 25, 2024. doi: 10.5501/wjv.v13.i4.98600
Insights from respiratory virus co-infections
Vasiliki E Georgakopoulou
Vasiliki E Georgakopoulou, Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
Author contributions: Georgakopoulou VE conceptualized the review, wrote the review and critically revised it.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The author declares no conflict of interest.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Vasiliki E Georgakopoulou, PhD, Doctor, Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Toma Street, Athens 11527, Greece. vaso_georgakopoulou@hotmail.com
Received: June 30, 2024
Revised: August 26, 2024
Accepted: August 28, 2024
Published online: December 25, 2024
Processing time: 109 Days and 17.6 Hours
Abstract

Respiratory viral co-infections present significant challenges in clinical settings due to their impact on disease severity and patient outcomes. Current diagnostic methods often miss these co-infections, complicating the epidemiology and management of these cases. Research, primarily conducted in vitro and in vivo, suggests that co-infections can lead to more severe illnesses, increased hospitalization rates, and greater healthcare utilization, especially in high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Common co-infection patterns, risk factors, and their impact on disease dynamics highlight the need for advanced diagnostic techniques and tailored therapeutic strategies. Understanding the virological interactions and immune response modulation during co-infections is crucial for developing effective public health interventions and improving patient outcomes. Future research should focus on the molecular mechanisms of co-infection and the development of specific therapies to mitigate the adverse effects of these complex infections.

Keywords: Respiratory viral co-infections; Disease severity; Diagnostic challenges; Immune response modulation; Public health strategies

Core Tip: Respiratory viral co-infections significantly complicate clinical management due to their impact on disease severity and patient outcomes. Current diagnostic techniques often miss these co-infections, making it difficult to accurately define their epidemiology and management strategies. Research suggests that co-infections can exacerbate illnesses, leading to higher hospitalization rates and increased healthcare utilization, particularly among high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Thus, advancing diagnostic methods and developing targeted therapeutic strategies are essential for improving public health interventions and patient outcomes. Understanding the virological interactions and immune response during co-infections is crucial for these advancements.