Acute bronchiolitis during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The autumn and winter bronchiolitis epidemics have virtually disappeared in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objectives were characterised bronchiolitis during fourth quarter of 2020 and the role played by SARS-CoV-2.

Methods: Prospective multi-centre study performed in Madrid (Spain) between October and December 2020 including all children admitted with acute bronchiolitis. Clinical data were collected and multiplex PCR for respiratory viruses were performed.

Results: Thirty-three patients were hospitalised with bronchiolitis during the study period: 28 corresponded to rhinovirus (RV), 4 to SARS-CoV-2, and 1 had both types of infection. SAR-CoV-2 bronchiolitis were comparable to RV bronchiolitis except for a shorter hospital stay. A significant decrease in the admission rate for bronchiolitis was found and no RSV was isolated.

Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection rarely causes acute bronchiolitis and it is not associated with a severe clinical course. During COVID-19 pandemic period there was a marked decrease in bronchiolitis cases.