Related Experiment Videos
Isolation of recent variant influenza types A(H3N2), A (H1N1) & B strains in Pune, India
Abstract:
A total of 293 patients with influenza like illness were investigated during the course of continuous surveillance on influenza in Pune, India in 2000. The throat/nasal swab specimens collected from these patients were inoculated in MDCK cell culture and influenza types A(H3N2), A(H1N1) and type B strains were isolated. They were identified as similar to the recently prevalent variant strains; A/Sydney/05/97(H3N2), A/New Caledonia/20/99(H1N1) and B/Sichuan/379/99. The latter two were the new variant strains reported for the first time in Pune. It is important to note that A(H1N1) strains were isolated in Pune during 2000 after a gap of 10 yr.
Insights
Influenza surveillance in Pune, India, identified influenza A(H3N2), A(H1N1), and B strains in 2000. New variant strains A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) and B/Sichuan/379/99 were detected, with A(H1N1) returning after a decade.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Continuous surveillance for influenza is crucial for monitoring viral circulation and identifying new strains.
- Pune, India, conducted influenza surveillance in 2000 to understand local influenza epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate influenza virus strains circulating in Pune, India, during the 2000 surveillance period.
- To identify and characterize isolated influenza virus types and subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Throat/nasal swab specimens were collected from 293 patients with influenza-like illness.
- Specimens were inoculated into Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell culture for virus isolation.
- Isolated influenza strains were identified using serological and/or molecular methods.
Main Results:
- Influenza A(H3N2), A(H1N1), and Type B strains were isolated.
- Identified strains were similar to A/Sydney/05/97(H3N2), A/New Caledonia/20/99(H1N1), and B/Sichuan/379/99.
- A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) and B/Sichuan/379/99 represented new variant strains for Pune.
- A(H1N1) strains were isolated in Pune in 2000 after a 10-year absence.
Conclusions:
- The study documented the circulation of specific influenza A and B strains in Pune during 2000.
- The emergence of new variant strains highlights the dynamic nature of influenza virus evolution.
- The re-emergence of A(H1N1) after a decade warrants continued influenza surveillance and preparedness.