OBJECTIVE: The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the prevalence of respiratory viruses among children under the special conditions of the COVID-19-pandemic. METHODS: Five databases were systematically searched to assess the pooled prevalence of various respiratory viruses in different age groups, regions, seasons and in patients with and without confirmed SARS-CoV-2-coinfection. Moreover, we looked at the virus distribution in the first and second half of the pandemic and in countries with distinct economic status. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed and the systematic review were registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022379297). RESULTS: Enterovirus/rhinovirus and human respiratory syncytial virus were the most prevalent pathogens among children. The prevalence of HRSV increased in the second half of the pandemic. The prevailing viruses vary according to the SARS-CoV-2-coinfection status, season, region and country´s economic status. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis shows the epidemiology of respiratory viruses other than SARS-CoV-2 in children aged 0 to 12 years during the COVID-19-pandemic. Since major events, such as a pandemic, can alter the epidemiology patterns, it is important to know them in order to improve health education measures, develop vaccines and medicines for vulnerable groups, as a guide for prevention strategies and a help for clinical decisions.
Keywords