Epidemiology of Respiratory Viruses Detected by Multiplex Real-time PCR in Hospitalized
Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Vietnam from 2020 to 2024
Huong Thien Pham1,2,3*, Van Hung Pham1,3, Nhu Hong Thi Tran1,3, Duy Khanh Tran1,3,
Thao Hanh Thi Nguyen 1,3, Quang Duy Ha1,3, Anh Hong Pham1,2,4
1Vietnam Research and Development Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Ho Chi Minh city 70000, Vietnam;
2Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh city 70000, Vietnam; 3NK-Biotek Co.
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) remain a leading cause of global hospitalization and mortality. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted traditional viral circulation and seasonal patterns. Large-scale surveillance using advanced techniques, such as multiplex real-time PCR (MLP-rPCR), is essential for preventive strategies and antimicrobial stewardship.
This study aimed to assess viral detection trends in hospitalized RTI cases in Vietnam from 2020 to 2024 and highlight the necessity of comprehensive molecular screening.
We conducted a five-year retrospective analysis of 15,936 respiratory clinical samples from hospitalized patients. The workflow of viral detection using an in-house MLP-rPCR assay targeting 17 respiratory viruses is shown below.