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Nasal Wipes for Influenza A Virus Detection and Isolation from Swine
Published on: December 4, 2015
Utilizing spatiotemporal analysis of influenza-like illness and rapid tests to focus swine-origin influenza virus
J Gaines Wilson1, Jessica Ballou, Chris Yan
1Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas at Brownsville, Brownsville, Texas 78520, USA. jeff.wilson@utb.edu
Abstract:
In the spring of 2009, a novel strain of H1N1 swine-origin influenza A virus (S-OIV) emerged in Mexico and the United States, and soon after was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. This work examined the ability of real-time reports of influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms and rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) to approximate the spatiotemporal distribution of PCR-confirmed S-OIV cases for the purposes of focusing local intervention efforts. Cluster and age adjusted relative risk patterns of ILI, RIDT, and S-OIV were assessed at a fine spatial scale at different time and space extents within Cameron County, Texas on the US-Mexico border. Space-time patterns of ILI and RIDT were found to effectively characterize the areas with highest geographical risk of S-OIV within the first two weeks of the outbreak. Based on these results, ILI and/or RIDT may prove to be acceptable indicators of the location of S-OIV hotspots. Given that S-OIV data is often difficult to obtain real-time during an outbreak; these findings may be of use to public health officials targeting prevention and response efforts during future flu outbreaks.
Insights
Influenza-like illness (ILI) and rapid diagnostic tests (RIDTs) can effectively identify H1N1 swine-origin influenza A virus (S-OIV) hotspots early in an outbreak. These methods help public health officials target interventions in high-risk areas during flu pandemics.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Surveillance
Background:
- The 2009 H1N1 swine-origin influenza A virus (S-OIV) pandemic highlighted the need for rapid outbreak monitoring.
- Real-time data is crucial for effective public health interventions during emerging infectious disease outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms and rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) in approximating the spatiotemporal distribution of S-OIV cases.
- To determine if ILI and RIDT data can guide local public health intervention efforts during an S-OIV outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Assessed cluster and age-adjusted relative risk patterns of ILI, RIDT, and PCR-confirmed S-OIV cases.
- Analyzed data at a fine spatial scale within Cameron County, Texas, on the US-Mexico border.
- Examined different time and space extents to understand outbreak dynamics.
Main Results:
- Space-time patterns of ILI and RIDT accurately characterized geographical S-OIV hotspots within the initial two weeks of the outbreak.
- ILI and RIDT data demonstrated effectiveness in identifying areas of highest risk.
- These indicators provided a reliable approximation of S-OIV case distribution.
Conclusions:
- Influenza-like illness (ILI) and rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) can serve as valuable, accessible indicators for S-OIV hotspots.
- These findings support the use of ILI and RIDT for targeted public health responses in future influenza outbreaks.
- Early detection using these methods can optimize the allocation of resources for prevention and control efforts.
