Respiratory pathogens among ill pilgrims and the potential benefit of using point-of-care rapid molecular diagnostic tools during the Hajj

We investigated respiratory pathogens among ill Hajj pilgrims from Marseille. We also discuss the potential role of point-of-care (POC) rapid molecular diagnostic tools for this purpose. Clinical data were collected using a standardised questionnaire. Influenza A and B viruses, human rhinovirus and human coronaviruses, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Klebsiella pneumoniae were investigated using real-time PCR in respiratory samples obtained during travel, at the onset of symptoms. 207 participants were included. A cough, expectoration, rhinitis and a sore throat were the most frequent respiratory symptoms, followed by loss of voice and dyspnoea. 38.7% and 25.1% of pilgrims reported a fever and influenza-like symptoms, respectively. 59.4% pilgrims received antibiotics. Rhinovirus ( 40.6%) was the most frequent pathogen, followed by S. aureus (35.8%) and H. influenzae (30.4%). Virus and bacteria co-infections were identified in 28.5% of participants. 25.1% pilgrims who were positive for respiratory bacteria did not receive antibiotic treatment. In the context of the Hajj pilgrimage, it is important to detect infections that can be easily managed with appropriate treatment, and those that can affect prognosis, requiring hospitalisation. POC rapid molecular diagnostic tools could be used for patient management at small Hajj medical missions and to rationalise antibiotic consumption among Hajj pilgrims.