Epidemiologic and Seasonal Trends of Four Endemic Human Coronaviruses in Korea from 2018 to 2024.
TL;DR
Endemic HCoVs continue to circulate in Korea with distinct seasonal and age-related patterns and the need for accurate nationwide surveillance and analysis in relation to endemic SARS-CoV-2 to guide respiratory disease management is highlighted.
Abstract
Background
Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1 are globally endemic causes of respiratory tract infections. However, long-term epidemiological data from Korea, particularly after the emergence of COVID-19, remain limited.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed multiplex real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) results for respiratory viruses obtained at a single university hospital between November 2018 and April 2024. The epidemiological patterns of the four common HCoVs were evaluated according to age group and seasonality.
Results
Among 6,914 respiratory samples, HCoVs were detected in 184 patients (101 adults and 83 children). HCoV-OC43 was the most frequently identified subtype in both adults (34.7%) and children (49.4%). Pediatric cases peaked in November-December, whereas adult cases peaked in December-January. A resurgence of HCoV circulation was observed in November 2023, following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions
Endemic HCoVs continue to circulate in Korea with distinct seasonal and age-related patterns. The reemergence of HCoVs after the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for accurate nationwide surveillance and analysis in relation to endemic SARS-CoV-2 to guide respiratory disease management.