Clinical and Radiological Diagnosis of Non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 Viruses in the Era of Covid‐19 Pandemic

Alpaydin, Aylin Ozgen; Gezer, Naciye Sinem; Simsek, Gokçen Omeroğlu; Tertemiz, Kemal Can; Kutsoylu, Oya Ozlem Eren; Zeka, Arzu Nazli; Guzel, Irmak; Soyturk, Mujde; Sayiner, Ayca Arzu; Oguz, Vildan Avkan

INTRODUCTION: Following the announcement of first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) case on March 11, 2020, in Turkey we aimed to report the co‐infection rates, and the clinical, laboratory, radiological distinctive features of viral pneumonia caused by viruses other than severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). METHODS: A cross‐sectional study was conducted between 18 and 31 March 2020. COVID‐19 suspected cases admitted to pandemic policlinic who had nasopharyngeal swab specimens tested for both SARS‐CoV‐2 and other respiratory viral pathogens were included. RESULTS: Within 112 patients SARS‐CoV‐2 was detected in 34 (30%). Among the non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 viruses (n=25, 22%), metapneumovirus (n=10), was the most frequent agent. There were two co‐infections with SARS‐CoV‐2. Sputum was less in the SARS‐CoV‐2 group (p=0.003). The leukocyte, lymphocyte, and thrombocyte count and C‐reactive protein levels were lowest in the SARS‐CoV‐2 group (p<0.001, p=0.04, p<0.001, p=0.007 respectively). Peripheral involvement (80% vs. 20%, p=<0.001), pure ground‐glass opacity (65% vs. 33%, p=0.04), apicobasal gradient (60% vs. 40%, p=0.08), involvement of ≥3 lobes (80% vs. 40%, OR:6.0, 95%CI,1.33‐27.05, p=0.02) and consolidation with accompanying ground‐glass opacity (4% vs. 33%, p=0.031) were more common in SARS‐CoV‐2 group. CONCLUSION: Some clinical, laboratory and radiological findings may help in the differential diagnosis of non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 viruses from COVID‐19. However, co‐infections may occur, and a non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 pathogen positivity does not exclude accompanying COVID‐19. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.