Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Neuroinfectious Etiology in the Lazio Region: Evidence from Laboratory-Based Surveillance Analysis.

Authors

Martina Rueca, Sara Leone, Maria Beatrice Valli, Gabriella De Carli, Gaetano Maffongelli, Eleonora Lalle, Federica Forbici, Maria Concetta Fusco, Alessandra Amendola, Lavinia Fabeni, Maria Letizia Giancola, Alessandro Agresta, Tommaso Ascoli Bartoli, Emanuele Nicastri, Fabrizio Maggi, Francesco Vairo

Published in

Viruses. Volume 18. Issue 8. Aug 12, 2026. Epub Aug 12, 2026.

Abstract

The mitigation measures adopted to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have not only impacted the transmission of respiratory infections but also other infectious diseases. In this study, we explored the effect of the pandemic on the epidemiology of Central Nervous System (CNS) infections by conducting a retrospective analysis of diagnostic data obtained from cerebrospinal fluids (CSFs) collected before, during, and after the pandemic from patients with acute-suspected neuro-infectious syndrome. The samples were analyzed using a meningitis/encephalitis molecular syndromic panel. A total of 4203 CSFs were split into three groups: pre-pandemic (August 2018-February 2020), pandemic (March 2020-March 2022) and post-pandemic (April 2022-March 2024). Each pathogen was statistically assessed individually, comparing one group vs. another. Results showed that viral pathogens were the most frequently detected across all groups; however, Streptococcus pneumoniae was the single most identified pathogen. Comparison of the pre-pandemic and pandemic groups by statistical analysis showed a significant reduction in neuro-infections caused by enterovirus, S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis, while the other pathogens were not affected. In conclusion, a reduction in CNS infections caused by respiratory and close-contact-transmitted pathogens, including both viral and bacterial agents, was observed during the period when COVID-19 containment measures were in effect.

PMID:
42655704
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 27 Aug 2026.

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