Coinfection of SARS-CoV-2 and multiple respiratory pathogens in children

The aim of the article was to report two cases of COVID-19 in children who were coinfected with human respiratory viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in China In this retrospective study, this demonstrates that children are not only susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, but they can be coinfected with SARS-CoV-2 and multiple respiratory viruses and bacterial pathogens including HRSV, HMPV and MP in China Children were reported to have milder illnesses and shorter durations compared to adults Our study indicated that one of the two children needed ICU, indicating the child had severe symptoms Because the number of cases of coinfection is small, we cannot determine whether coinfection of SARS-CoV-2 with other viruses or bacteria aggravates the condition The study indicated that coinfection of SARS-CoV-2 and HRSV, HMPV or MP in children occurs, suggesting that children with respiratory infection should be screened for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viral and bacterial pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent missed diagnosis and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 coinfection with other pathogens is also unclear in adult COVID-19 patients, as there has only been a case report of a 69-year-old man who was coinfected with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus in China The study indicates that COVID-19 patients should be investigated for coinfection with other respiratory viruses and bacterial pathogens