OBJECTIVE To analyze the 9 acute respiratory pathogens spectrum and epidemiological characteristics in a hospital in Dali Prefecture, providing a basis for diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

METHODS Case data and serum specimens were collected from 34 745 outpatients and inpatients at Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture People′s Hospital from 2022 to 2024. IgM antibodies against influenza A virus (FluA), influenza B virus (FluB), parainfluenza virus (PIV), adenovirus (ADV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), echovirus (ECHO), coxsackievirus B (CVB), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) were detected with magnetic particle chemiluminescence, followed by data analysis.

RESULTS The overall positive rate was 29.22% (10 152/34 745), with the highest rate of MP (17.28%), followed by FluB (7.01%) and FluA (6.78%). The overall positive rate increased from 22.33% in 2022 to 35.09% in 2024 (P < 0.001), highly prevalent in autumn (35.43%) and winter (32.43%), with the highest rate was in the 5-17 age group (44.45%), followed by the < 5 age group (33.26%), with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Joinpoint analysis revealed that FluA, CVB, ADV, ECHO, RSV and MP were more prevalent in autumn and winteraverage annual percent change (AAPC) > 0, while FluB and PIV were common in summer (AAPC < 0). FluA, CVB and MP were common in younger age groups and the positive rate showed a decreasing trend (AAPC < 0), whereas FluB and PIV predominantly affected children and the elderly, showing a "decline followed by rise" trend (AAPC > 0). The mixed infection positive rate was 7.16%, with double infection being the primary type (74.67%). The common types of mixed infections were FluA-MP (27.06%), FluA-PIV (20.10%) and FluA-RSV (10.66%).

CONCLUSION The infection rates of the nine acute respiratory pathogens show an upward trend, with distinct differences in pathogens, seasons and ages, necessitating sustained surveillance and early warning.