Related Experiment Videos
Influenza surveillance in Pune, India, 2003.
B L Rao1, L R Yeolekar, S S Kadam
1National Institute of Virology, Pune, India.
The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|November 22, 2005
Summary
Influenza surveillance in Pune, India, identified 37 viruses, primarily in children. Twenty-three influenza A (H3N2) and 14 influenza B viruses were isolated during the 2003 study.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Influenza remains a significant global health concern, necessitating ongoing surveillance to understand circulating strains.
- Pediatric populations are particularly vulnerable to influenza infections, highlighting the need for age-specific epidemiological data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct influenza surveillance in Pune, India, during 2003.
- To identify and characterize influenza virus types and subtypes circulating in a predominantly pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 763 respiratory specimens (throat/nasal swabs and nasopharyngeal aspirates) from pediatric and adult patients.
- Isolation of influenza viruses using Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell cultures.
- Identification and subtyping of isolates using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test.
Main Results:
- A total of 37 influenza viruses were isolated.
- Twenty-three isolates were influenza A (H3N2) and 14 were influenza B (Yamagata lineage).
- Influenza viruses were detected in both children (29) and adults (8).
Conclusions:
- Influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B (Yamagata lineage) were the predominant strains circulating in Pune, India, in 2003.
- The findings underscore the importance of continued influenza surveillance, especially in pediatric populations, for informing public health strategies.