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Influenza activity among the paediatric age group in Chennai

Nalini Ramamurty1, Lalitha C Pillai, P Gunasekaran

  • 1King Institute of Preventive Medicine, Chennai, India. kinginst@md3.vsnl.net.in

The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|July 23, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Influenza A and B viruses were detected in Chennai children with acute respiratory infections. The predominant strain was Influenza A/H3N2/Panama, with activity peaking after rainfall.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are common globally, particularly in children.
  • Influenza viruses are a significant cause of respiratory illness outbreaks worldwide.
  • Limited data exists on influenza virus activity in Chennai, India.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and identify influenza virus serotypes causing ARIs in children in Chennai.
  • To understand the local epidemiology of influenza in a tertiary care setting.

Main Methods:

  • Throat swabs were collected weekly from 240 children with ARIs over 12 months (2002).
  • Influenza virus isolation was performed using Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell lines.
  • Serotyping was confirmed via hemagglutination inhibition and immunofluorescence assays.

Main Results:

  • Influenza viruses were isolated from 12.5% (30/240) of children.
  • Influenza A/H3N2/Panama/2000/99 was the most common serotype (80% of isolates).
  • Influenza B/Sichuan/379/99 was also detected, along with mixed infections.

Conclusions:

  • Influenza A and B viruses are actively circulating in Chennai.
  • Influenza activity peaked during and after the rainy season.
  • The prevalence of A/H3N2/Panama aligns with global influenza trends.
Abstract

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