Epidemiological and virological characterization of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 at tertiary-care hospital, Ahmedabad
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health - Year 2016, Vol 5, Issue 1
Abstract
Background: In April 2009, a new strain of influenza virus, A H1N1, started to spread in various parts of the world, and the first case was reported on May 16, 2009. [1] The associated morbidity and mortality have made it a major health burden. In this study, we have investigated samples of patients with suspected influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) received at civil hospital, Ahmedabad, from January 1, 2015 to March 15, 2015. Objective: To study the epidemiologic and virologic profiles of patients found positive for influenza A H1N1 at a tertiary-care hospital. Materials and Methods: Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab specimens from patients presenting with ILI were received and subjected to real time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) for detection and characterization of swine influenza and other seasonal influenza. Result: Of the 6,197 specimens tested, 3,242 and 866 yielded swine H1N1 and seasonal influenza virus, respectively. Most specimens were received from children aged <10 years (22.8%). Among those with confirmed swine H1N1 infection, 1,679 (51.79%) were female subjects. Conclusion: The high proportion of respiratory specimens positive for influenza A H1N1 was owing to higher transmissi - bility of H1N1 than other seasonal influenza viruses. The age distribution of cases of influenza A H1N1 infection suggests that children and young adults could be targeted for interventions to reduce transmission during an influenza pandemic.
Authors and Affiliations
Nidhi Barot, Mahendra Vegad, Sumeeta Soni, Lavanya Devi V, Vibhuti Patel
Keywords
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- EP ID EP95817
- DOI 10.5455/ijmsph.2016.0806201522
- Views 141
- Downloads 0
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