Navigating Viral Threats: Enteric and Respiratory Viral Challenges in the Post-COVID-19 Era

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Virology and Viral Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 4667

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Host–Pathogen Interaction Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
Interests: microbiology; viruses; antivirals; vaccines; innate immunity; adaptive immunity; vaccine development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Koç University-işbank Center for Infectious Diseases (KUISCID), Koç University Hospital, Istanbul 34010, Türkiye
Interests: enteric viruses; respiratory viruses; human influenza viruses; COVID-19; avian influenza viruses; surveillance; virus epidemiology; viral diagnosis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global health landscape has undergone significant transformations, highlighting the critical need to understand and investigate both enteric and respiratory viruses. The symptoms of enteric and respiratory viruses overlap, with respiratory symptoms occurring after enteric virus infections and gastrointestinal symptoms following respiratory virus infections, complicating typical clinical diagnosis. These viral groups not only contribute to substantial morbidity and mortality but also pose ongoing challenges to public health systems worldwide.

Enteric viruses, which are primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, can lead to severe gastrointestinal diseases, particularly in vulnerable populations. The significance of early detection, along with effective sanitation and hygiene practices and developing novel therapeutics, is paramount in preventing the spread of these viruses and managing outbreaks. By implementing comprehensive measures, we can substantially reduce transmission risks and safeguard public health.

On the other hand, respiratory viruses, such as influenza and coronaviruses, have shown how quickly they can spread through human interaction, leading to widespread illness and disruption. The recent emergence of avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses in cattle and other mammals has amplified the crucial importance of early detection and rapid response in respiratory virus outbreaks. Enhanced surveillance, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and the development of new therapeutics are crucial in promptly identifying infections, allowing for timely interventions that can save lives and reduce transmission.

This Special Issue will explore the multifaceted dimensions of enteric and respiratory viruses, focusing on their epidemiology, prevention strategies, and innovative methods for early detection and therapy. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and sharing cutting-edge research, we aim to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of these viral threats and enhance preparedness for future outbreaks and possible pandemics.

Dr. Ahmed Mostafa
Dr. Abdou Kamal Allayeh
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • enteric viruses
  • respiratory viruses
  • human influenza viruses
  • COVID-19
  • avian influenza viruses
  • surveillance
  • virus epidemiology
  • viral diagnosis

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 2739 KB  
Article
Changing Trends of Respiratory Viruses in Hospitalized Children During and After the COVID-19 Emergency Phase in Yongin, South Korea (2020–22 vs. 2023–24)
by Joon-sik Choi, Eun Gyeong Seol, Ji Hyun Lee, Heejung Kim, Kyung Min Choi and Min Jung Kim
Viruses 2026, 18(1), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18010130 - 20 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 692
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) significantly disrupted the epidemiology of pediatric respiratory viruses. This study compared infection patterns among 3658 hospitalized children in South Korea during the pandemic (2020–2022) and the post-emergency phase (2023–2024), following the relaxation of mandatory NPIs. [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) significantly disrupted the epidemiology of pediatric respiratory viruses. This study compared infection patterns among 3658 hospitalized children in South Korea during the pandemic (2020–2022) and the post-emergency phase (2023–2024), following the relaxation of mandatory NPIs. Of 4419 eligible tests, the most frequently detected viruses overall were rhinovirus/enterovirus (HRV/HEV) (27.9%), influenza (14.5%), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 11.9%). The post-emergency phase was marked by a dramatic surge in influenza virus (IFV), which surged dramatically (5.5% → 28.2%), and a more than two-fold increase in adenovirus (ADV) (5.7% → 12.5%) (p < 0.001). (p < 0.001). Conversely, parainfluenza virus (PIV) detection rates declined significantly (15.4% → 11.3%, p < 0.001). Demographically, post-emergency phase patients were significantly older (mean 4.9 vs. 3.5 years) and experienced a shorter hospital stays (3.2 vs. 4.3 days) (p < 0.001). Crucially, age-specific susceptibility shifts were evident. IFV rebounded across all pediatric ages but spiked severely in school-aged children and adolescents, while HRV/HEV demonstrated a clear proportional shift towards older age groups. These results demonstrate a substantial reconfiguration of the pediatric respiratory landscape, necessitating age-stratified surveillance and flexible public health strategies to mitigate the future infectious disease burden. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 3207 KB  
Article
Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Infections in Hospitalized Children During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Sandra Prgomet, Zvonimir Boban, Sunčica Prgomet and Nataša Boban
Viruses 2025, 17(10), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17101296 - 24 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 914
Abstract
Infections, particularly those affecting the respiratory system, are a major cause of hospitalization among children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of childhood infections underwent a significant transformation. To understand these changes, this study analyzes the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of infections in [...] Read more.
Infections, particularly those affecting the respiratory system, are a major cause of hospitalization among children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of childhood infections underwent a significant transformation. To understand these changes, this study analyzes the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of infections in children hospitalized during the first quarters of years 2021–2024. The number of hospitalizations was four times greater in 2024 compared to 2021. The average patient age decreased from 4.6 years in 2021 to 2.3 years in 2024 due to the increase in proportion of infants. The most prevalent symptom changed from fever in 2021 to cough in subsequent years. Bacterial pathogens were dominant in 2021, and viral pathogens were more common in the other three years. SARS-CoV-2 and rotavirus were the most common viruses in 2021 and 2022 but were overtaken by influenza and respiratory syncytial virus in 2023 and 2024. The findings of the study highlight changes in patient characteristics caused by the easing of restrictions and subsequent resurgence of viral infections. Continued surveillance of infection trends is crucial for adapting clinical practices to the evolving challenges posed by infectious diseases in the post-pandemic world. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

55 pages, 2337 KB  
Review
Elements of Viral Outbreak Preparedness: Lessons, Strategies, and Future Directions
by Ibrahim Ahmed Hamza, Kang Mao, Chen Gao, Hazem Hamza and Hua Zhang
Viruses 2026, 18(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18010050 - 29 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2261
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging viruses continue to pose major threats to public health. Their ability to adapt, cross species barriers, and spread rapidly can trigger severe outbreaks or even pandemics. Strengthening preparedness with comprehensive and efficient strategies is therefore essential. Here, we explore the [...] Read more.
Emerging and re-emerging viruses continue to pose major threats to public health. Their ability to adapt, cross species barriers, and spread rapidly can trigger severe outbreaks or even pandemics. Strengthening preparedness with comprehensive and efficient strategies is therefore essential. Here, we explore the key components of viral outbreak preparedness, including surveillance systems, diagnostic capacity, prevention and control measures, non-pharmaceutical interventions, antiviral therapeutics, and research and development. We emphasize the increasing importance of genomic surveillance, wastewater-based surveillance, real-time data sharing, and the One Health approach to better anticipate zoonotic spillovers. Current challenges and future directions are also discussed. Effective preparedness requires transparent risk communication and equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted both the promise of next-generation vaccine platforms and the necessity of maintaining diagnostic capacity, as early testing delays hindered containment efforts. Countries adopted various non-pharmaceutical interventions: risk communication and social distancing proved to be the most effective, while combined workplace infection-prevention measures outperformed single strategies. These experiences highlight the importance of early detection, rapid response, and multisectoral collaboration in mitigating the impact of viral outbreaks. By applying best practices and lessons learned from recent events, global health systems can strengthen resilience and improve readiness for future viral threats. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop