A BSTRACT Introduction: Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) is primarily caused by influenza viruses (types A and B) and coronaviruses, notably SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has complicated respiratory disease management globally, especially as coinfections with influenza lead to more severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly and children. Methods: This study was conducted at the Virology Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, MGM Medical College, Indore, from August to January 2023. Respiratory specimens from SARI patients were processed for RNA extraction using the Thermo Scientific Kingfisher Flex system and RT-PCR to detect influenza and SARS-CoV-2. A multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay kit from National Institute of Virology, Pune, identified influenza subtypes. The Biorad C1000 Thermal Cycler with CFX96 Real-Time System was used for the PCR analysis. Results: Out of 347 samples tested, maximum infectivity was found for Inf A (H1N1) and SARS-CoV-2, and only two cases showed coinfection. Inf A and SARS-CoV-2 positivity was more in females, but Inf B infection was observed only in males. Inf A infection was significantly higher in 46–60 years age group, and coinfection was observed only in >60 years. The majority of the Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections were observed in Indore district. Conclusion: This study found prevalent influenza subtypes in our region but low coinfection with SARS-CoV-2. Detecting coinfections is difficult due to differences in viral incubation and shedding times. Early and accurate detection is key to preventing transmission, guiding treatment, and improving patient care.
Shukla et al. (Thu,) studied this question.