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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Nasal Wipes for Influenza A Virus Detection and Isolation from Swine
Published on: December 4, 2015
[Influenza in Poland in 2005]
Mirosław P Czarkowski1, Magdalena Romanowska, Lidia B Brydak
1Zakład Epidemiologii, Państwowy Zakład Higieny, Warszawa. mpc@pzh.gov.pl
Abstract:
A total number of 773,234 cases of influenza and influenza-like illness registered in Poland in 2004 (incidence 1921.4 per 100,000 population). Regionally the incidence ranged from 3391.8 per 100,000 population in Mazowieckie to 364.0 in Swietokrzyskie. Children and adolescents under 15 years of age accounted for 34.5% of all cases (age specific incidence 4045.3 per 100,000). In this age group the incidence varied regionally from 6381.1 in Mazowieckie to 797.6 in Swietokrzyskie. 1469 patients (0.20% of all cases) required hospital admission. There were 52 deaths due to influenza, in 82.7% these were persons over 70 years of age. In the epidemic season 2004/05 forty nine strains of influenza virus were isolated in Poland, including 2 strains of subtype A/H1, 23 strains of subtype A/H3 and 24 strains of type B. Antigenic analysis showed that they were similar to A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1), A/Wyoming/3/2003 (H3N2), B/Hong Kong/330/2001 and B/Jiangsu/10/2003. Besides, RT-PCR method and immunofluorescence test allowed to confirm influenza in other 26 cases and infections with respiratory viruses as RSV, parainfluenza or adenovirus in other 25 cases.
Insights
In 2004, Poland recorded over 773,000 influenza cases, with children under 15 most affected. The study details regional incidence, hospitalizations, and identifies circulating influenza virus strains.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Virology
Context:
- Influenza surveillance in Poland during 2004.
- Analysis of regional incidence and demographic impact of influenza.
Purpose:
- To report the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of influenza in Poland for 2004.
- To detail influenza virus strains isolated and their antigenic properties.
Summary:
- A total of 773,234 influenza cases were registered in Poland in 2004, with incidence varying regionally. Children under 15 represented 34.5% of cases.
- Hospitalization was required for 0.20% of patients, and 52 deaths were attributed to influenza, predominantly in individuals over 70 years old.
- Forty-nine influenza virus strains were isolated, including subtypes A/H1, A/H3, and type B, showing similarity to established reference strains. Other respiratory viruses were also detected.
Impact:
- Provides crucial data for public health strategies and influenza prevention in Poland.
- Highlights the significant burden of influenza, particularly in pediatric populations and the elderly.
- Informs vaccine strain selection and understanding of circulating influenza strains.
Related Concept Videos
Influenza
Poliomyelitis
Vaccinations
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Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

