Epidemiology of Influenza among patients with influenza‐like illness and severe acute respiratory illness in Pakistan: A 10‐year surveillance study 2008‐17. Issue 12 (29th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nisar, Nadia; Aamir, Uzma Bashir; Badar, Nazish; Mahmood, Muhammad Rashid; Yaqoob, Aashifa; Tripathy, Jaya Prasad; Laxmeshwar, Chinmay; Tenzin, Karma; Zaidi, Syed Sohail Zahoor; Salman, Muhammad; Ikram, Aamer
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical virology. Volume 92:Issue 12(2020)
• Page Start: 3028
• Page End: 3037
• Publication Date: 2020-06-29
• Subjects: epidemiology -- H1N1 virus -- influenza surveillance; Virology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25913
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-6615

Abstract

Abstract: In Pakistan, the burden of influenza was largely unknown, as no formal surveillance system was in place. In 2008, an influenza surveillance system was set up in eight sentinel sites. This study describes the epidemiology of influenza virus using a 10‐year surveillance data from 2008 to 2017. Nasopharyngeal/throat swabs were collected from patients with influenza‐like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) along with relevant epidemiological information. The samples were tested using real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction for the detection and characterization of influenza viruses. A total of 17 209 samples were tested for influenza, out of which 3552 (20.6%) were positive; 2151/11 239 (19.1%) were patients with ILI, whereas 1401/5970 (23.5%) were patients with SARI. Influenza A/H1N1pdm09 was the predominant strain with 40.6% (n = 1442) followed by influenza B (936, 26.4%). Influenza A/H1N1pdm09 was predominant among the children (5‐14 years) and adults (15‐64 years). Influenza B strain was predominantly found in the elderly age group (≥ 65 years) accounting for 48% of cases followed by children (2‐4 years) accounting for 37% of cases. This 10‐year surveillance data provides evidence of influenza activity in the country throughout the year with seasonal winter peaks. The results could be used to strengthen the epidemic preparedness and response plan. Highlights: The study findings allow national policy makers to better prepare for upcoming seasons. The study describes critical features of influenza epidemiology including risk groups and transmission characteristics.The study will support the selection of influenza strains for vaccine production. Influenza viruses affected all age groups and gender and circulated seasonally peaking during the winter months of December through February.