Respiratory viral infections, particularly Influenza A and SARS‐CoV‐2, remain major public health concerns in endemic settings such as Pakistan, where high influenza‐like illness burden and limited genomic data underscore the need for surveillance to guide vaccine strategies. This study assessed respiratory virus circulation and genetic diversity among ILI cases at a secondary‐care hospital in Islamabad during the 2025–2026 winter season. Among 170 qRT‐PCR‐tested cases, Influenza A was detected in 24.1%, SARS‐CoV‐2 in 1.17%, and Influenza B was not detected. Influenza A positivity was slightly higher in females (25.0%), with highest burden in individuals aged 11–20 years. Whole‐genome sequencing of 21 Influenza A(H3N2) isolates revealed co‐circulation of subclade K (52.4%), J.2.2 (28.6%), and J.2 (9.5%). Phylogenetic analysis showed subclade K clustering with recent isolates from North America, Oceania, Europe, and WHO‐recommended 2026–2027 Northern Hemisphere H3N2 vaccine strains, whereas J.2 and J.2.2 aligned with earlier vaccine‐like strains. NA analysis showed predominance of clade B.4.2.2 associated with K‐lineage and relatedness to recent North American strains. Subclade K exhibited conserved HA substitutions (K2N, S144N, N158D, I160K, Q173R, T328A) and HA2 S49N with limited variation. No antiviral resistance mutations were detected. Overall, findings demonstrate predominance and genetic stability of H3N2 subclade K and support continuous genomic surveillance for vaccine strain selection and influenza preparedness.
Aamir Javed, Jamal Hayat, S. A. Haider et al.· Journal of Medical Virology· 0 citations
Depression is a leading cause of disability among university students. While medical students are often assumed to be at highest risk, cross-disciplinary comparisons in South Asia remain scarce. This study examined depressive symptom differences between medical and non-medical students in Pakistan and evaluated the concurrent psychometric performance of the PHQ-9 and DASS-21.
A cross-sectional survey of 602 undergraduate students (424 medical, 178 non-medical) was conducted at universities in Lahore, Pakistan. Measures included the PHQ-9 and DASS-21. Analyses comprised descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, multivariable linear regression (separate models for PHQ-9 and each DASS-21 domain), confirmatory factor analysis, item response theory using a graded response model, and symptom network analysis with stability testing.
Non-medical students had higher PHQ-9 scores than medical students (median 10.0 vs. 9.0). In adjusted models, non-medical students scored higher on PHQ-9 (β = −1.43,
p
= 0.004), DASS Depression (β = −1.82,
p
= 0.003), and DASS Anxiety (β = −2.31,
p
= 0.001); the DASS Stress difference was non-significant (β = −0.89,
p
= 0.089). Female gender predicted higher scores across all domains (all
p
< 0.001). Each additional hour of sleep was associated with lower PHQ-9 scores (β = −0.37,
p
= 0.010). Prior depression treatment was the strongest predictor (β = 4.15,
p
< 0.001). DASS-21 confirmatory factor analysis showed adequate fit (CFI = 0.954, TLI = 0.948, RMSEA = 0.052), but latent factor correlations were very high (Depression–Stress
r
= 0.939; Anxiety–Stress
r
= 0.949). Cronbach’s α ranged 0.82–0.88 across scales. Item response theory indicated that self-worth, concentration, down, and appetite items showed the highest discrimination; interest (anhedonia) showed the lowest (
a
= 0.468). In network analysis, self-worth, concentration, and downheartedness were the most central nodes; stability coefficients ranged 0.31–0.44. Measurement invariance across discipline was supported. Model R² values were low (0.029–0.041).
Non-medical students reported higher depressive and anxiety symptoms than medical students in this Pakistani sample, although academic discipline explained only a small proportion of variance. Both instruments performed adequately, though the DASS-21’s near-unity latent correlations may raise questions about subscale distinguishability in this population. Cognitive and self-worth symptoms emerged as the most informative for screening purposes. Campus mental health strategies should address the whole student population, with particular attention to female students and sleep health.
Taimoor Asghar, A. Hassan, Ifrah Sahar et al.· BMC Psychology· 0 citations