Prevalence of Influenza Virus, SARS-CoV-2, and Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) among Hospitalized Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients with Acute Respiratory Infection: A Cross-Sectional Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR Study

Heydari Sirat, Sara; Shatizadeh Malekshahi, Somayeh

doi:10.48307/FMSJ.2026.30.4.463

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Volume 30, Issue 4 (Bimonthly 2026)

Feyz Med Sci J 2026, 30(4): 463-474

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Prevalence of Influenza Virus, SARS-CoV-2, and Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) among Hospitalized Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients with Acute Respiratory Infection: A Cross-Sectional Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR Study

Sara Heydari Sirat

, Somayeh Shatizadeh Malekshahi ^*

Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran , s.shatizadeh@modares.ac.ir

Abstract: (310 Views)

Background and Aim: Kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk of respiratory viral infections and severe outcomes because of immunosuppressive therapy. Given the clinical overlap among SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), simultaneous molecular testing may facilitate clinical decision-making. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these three viruses among hospitalized adult kidney transplant recipients with acute respiratory infection.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2023 to February 2025 (Aban 1402 to Bahman 1403 in the Persian calendar) at Shahid Dr. Labbafinejad Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Convenience sampling was performed among hospitalized adult kidney transplant recipients with acute respiratory infection, mainly during autumn, winter, and spring. Respiratory samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and HRSV using multiplex real-time RT-PCR. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were also collected.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 45.16 ± 14.33 years (95% CI: 43–48). The highest proportion of patients was in the 35–49-year age group. Among 141 eligible samples, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 18 cases (12.8%), influenza virus in 13 cases (9.2%), and HRSV in one case (0.7%). No viral co-infection involving two or more viruses was identified in the available laboratory data.
Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus were the predominant respiratory viruses among hospitalized adult kidney transplant recipients with acute respiratory infection, whereas HRSV was uncommon. Multiplex real-time RT-PCR may be a valuable strategy for the simultaneous detection of respiratory viruses in transplant centers. Larger multicenter studies with complete seasonal coverage are needed to confirm and generalize these findings.

Keywords: Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, HRSV, Kidney transplantation, Multiplex real-time RT-PCR, Acute respiratory infection

Full-Text [PDF 972 kb] (14 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: medicine, paraclinic
Received: 2026/03/15 | Revised: 2026/10/7 | Accepted: 2026/09/6 | Published: 2026/10/4

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Heydari Sirat S, Shatizadeh Malekshahi S. Prevalence of Influenza Virus, SARS-CoV-2, and Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) among Hospitalized Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients with Acute Respiratory Infection: A Cross-Sectional Multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR Study. Feyz Med Sci J 2026; 30 (4) :463-474
URL: http://feyz.kaums.ac.ir/article-1-5516-en.html

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