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Updated: Oct 13, 2026
Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
Published on: January 30, 2017
Comparison of influenza A and influenza B virus infection in hospitalized children
A J Daley1, R Nallusamy, D Isaacs
1Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia. andrewd@icpmr.wsahs.nsw.gov.au
Insights
In 1997 Australia, influenza A (IAV) disproportionately affected infants under 12 months. Influenza B virus (IBV) was more common in children with medical issues, but clinical signs did not differentiate between IAV or IBV.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Influenza A and B viruses co-circulated in Australia during the 1997 winter season.
- Understanding the distinct clinical and demographic features of each influenza type in children is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical and demographic characteristics of children hospitalized with culture-proven influenza A versus influenza B virus infection.
- To identify potential differences in disease presentation, severity, and risk factors between influenza A and B in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review was conducted on 91 children hospitalized with culture-proven influenza A or B virus infection in 1997.
- Data collected included patient demographics, clinical signs and symptoms, underlying medical conditions, and disease severity indicators.
Main Results:
- Children with influenza A were significantly younger (56% under 12 months) compared to those with influenza B (26%) (P=0.02).
- Influenza B infection was more frequently observed in children with pre-existing medical conditions (P=0.01).
- Neurological manifestations occurred in 12.5% of influenza A cases, but none in influenza B cases (P=0.09). No significant differences were found in symptoms, severity, or hospital stay duration.
Conclusions:
- Influenza A virus infection in hospitalized children is more prevalent in infants under 12 months of age.
- Influenza B virus infection is more commonly associated with underlying medical disorders in pediatric patients.
- Clinical presentation alone is insufficient to reliably distinguish between influenza A and B virus infections in children.
Background:
Influenza A and B viruses were cocirculating in Australia in the winter of 1997.
Objective:
To compare the clinical and demographic features of children with influenza A or influenza B virus infection admitted to a paediatric tertiary referral centre.
Methodology:
Retrospective chart review of 91 hospitalized children with culture-proven influenza A or B virus infection during 1997.
Results:
Thirty-six (56%) of 64 children with influenza A were under 12 months of age compared with seven (26%) of 27 children with influenza B virus infection (P = 0.02). Influenza B virus infection was more common in children with underlying medical problems (P = 0. 01). Neurological manifestations were present in eight (12.5%) of 64 children with influenza A and none with influenza B virus infection (P = 0.09). There were no significant differences in signs and symptoms of children with influenza A and B virus infection, in severity of illness or in duration of hospital stay.
Conclusions:
A greater proportion of children admitted with influenza A virus infection were under 12 months of age. Influenza B virus infection is associated more commonly with underlying medical disorders. It is not possible to differentiate between influenza A or B virus infection from presenting clinical signs and symptoms.
