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Updated: Sep 27, 2026
High-throughput Detection Method for Influenza Virus
Published on: February 4, 2012
Detection of human influenza virus in Yucatan, Mexico
Guadalupe Ayora-Talavera1, Renán A Góngora-Biachi, Irma López-Martínez
1Laboratorio de Hematología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. talavera@tunku.uady.mx
Objective:
Influenza virus is the most common cause of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) world wide. In patients with chronic condition, infection by the influenza virus can cause complications such as pneumonia which may have fatal outcome. The aim of this work was to determine the frequency of human influenza virus in outpatients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and in those patients admitted to hospital with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Yucatan, Mexico (October 1998-July 1999).
Materials And Methods:
Throat swabs were collected from ILI and CAP patients and processed to detect respiratory viruses. All clinical samples were tested for seven respiratory viruses using a rapid indirect immunofluorescence test (IFI). Clinical samples with positive results for influenza virus by IFI were inoculated into chick embryo eggs and/or MDCK cells for viral isolation. All influenza virus isolates were typed using the WHO influenza Kit 1998-1999.
Results:
A total of 288 clinical samples were collected. Influenza virus type A was diagnosed in 29 clinical samples (10%), no other respiratory viruses were identified. Influenza virus was present with 8.9% (17 out of 189) in ILI patients, whereas with 12.12% (12 out of 99) in CAP patients. Influenza virus was detected from December to July. Six viral isolates were obtained and identified as influenza A (H3N2).
Conclusion:
Human influenza virus is certainly a cause of ARI and pneumonia in Yucatan, Mexico. The results showed that influenza virus contributes to at least 8.9% of the ARI, and more importantly to 12% of CAP patients. Positive cases were present in a different pattern to temperate zones where the peak of incidence occurs during autumn and winter.
Insights
Human influenza virus causes acute respiratory infections (ARI) and pneumonia in Yucatan, Mexico. Influenza A (H3N2) was detected in 10% of patients, contributing to 8.9% of ARI and 12% of community-acquired pneumonia cases.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Influenza virus is a leading global cause of acute respiratory infections (ARI).
- Influenza infection can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, particularly in individuals with chronic conditions.
- Understanding influenza prevalence is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of human influenza virus in outpatients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and inpatients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
- To identify influenza virus types and subtypes circulating in Yucatan, Mexico.
- To analyze the epidemiological pattern of influenza in the region.
Main Methods:
- Throat swabs were collected from ILI and CAP patients.
- Samples were tested for seven respiratory viruses using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFI).
- Influenza virus isolates were obtained through viral culture and typed using the WHO influenza kit.
Main Results:
- Influenza virus type A was detected in 10% (29/288) of clinical samples.
- Influenza virus was identified in 8.9% of ILI patients and 12.12% of CAP patients.
- Six influenza A (H3N2) isolates were obtained, with detection occurring from December to July.
Conclusions:
- Human influenza virus is a significant cause of ARI and pneumonia in Yucatan, Mexico.
- Influenza contributes to at least 8.9% of ARI and 12% of CAP cases in the study population.
- The influenza incidence pattern in Yucatan differs from temperate zones, with cases detected beyond typical autumn/winter peaks.
