Epidemiology of respiratory infection pathogens using multiplex RT-qPCR in big earthquakes Area in Turkey (2023)

IntroductionThe Kahramanmaraş earthquake, which has been classified as an earthquake with significant and destructive consequences on a global scale, has been referred to as "the disaster of the century.", occurred on February 6, 2023. A considerable number of structures were destroyed and a significant amount of damage was incurred in 11 provinces, including Kahramanmaraş. Respiratory tract infections are a serious public health problem seen in all age groups among earthquake victims living in tent and container cities.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine the causative agents in respiratory tract samples taken for screening purposes from earthquake victims living in tent cities in the earthquake zone and to provide early diagnosis.MethodGaziantep Provincial Health Directorate Infectious Diseases Unit filiation teams collected nasopharyngeal swabs from earthquake victims living in tent cities around Gaziantep province between March 25 and March 30, 2023. The presence of 18 viruses and 6 bacteria that are causing respiratory tract infections were simultaneously detected by the Real-Time qPCR (RT-qPCR) technique.ResultsIn the present study, respiratory pathogens were detected in 470 (56.62 %) of a total of 830 patients. The most frequently isolated agents were rhinovirus (20 %, 94/470), S. pneumoniae (12.87 %, 60/470), RSV A/B (12.12 %, 57/470), H. influenza type b (10. 85 %, 51/470) and others. Rhinovirus was the most frequently detected pathogen in the study. The coexistence of more than one pathogen was also detected. The most common association was found between HRV and S. pneumoniae (20.93 %, 9/43).ConclusionThe results of the present study indicate that public health measures should be prioritized in natural disasters, and ıt demonstrates that infectious diseases became a significant problem in the time period after the earthquake. Early results can be obtained by screening viral and bacterial pathogen in respiratory tract samples with RT-qPCR, and an early diagnosis is ensured.