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Updated: May 2, 2026
Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
Published on: January 30, 2017
Contribution of systematic RT-PCR screening for influenza during the epidemic season
M Martinot1, R Heller2, A Martin1
1Service de médecine E, hôpital Pasteur, 39, avenue de la Liberté, 68000 Colmar, France.
Objective:
We assessed the systematic RT-PCR screening of patients admitted to an infectious diseases department (IDD), during the 2012-2013 influenza outbreak.
Methodology:
Patients admitted with cough and fever underwent a nasopharyngeal smear for RT-PCR screening.
Results:
Ninety-eight patients were admitted in the IDD, from January 1st to February 22nd, 46 were screened; 11 male and 6 female patients (17.3%, mean age of 68 years) were positive. The diagnoses made in the emergency department, before RT-PCR screening, were most frequently lung infection and sepsis, but influenza in only 4 cases. The diagnosis of influenza led to stopping antibiotics (n=4), initiating curative (n=4) and preventive (n=4) treatments with oseltamivir, and isolating patients to prevent a hospital outbreak.
Conclusion:
Systematic RT-PCR screening allows a rapid therapeutic management and the prevention of hospital epidemic through appropriate isolation measures.
Insights
Systematic reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) screening of patients with respiratory symptoms during an influenza outbreak quickly identified cases. This rapid diagnosis enabled timely treatment and isolation, preventing wider hospital transmission.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Influenza outbreaks pose a significant risk in hospital settings, particularly in infectious diseases departments.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management and infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of systematic reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) screening for influenza in hospitalized patients.
- To assess the impact of RT-PCR screening on clinical management and hospital outbreak prevention.
Main Methods:
- Patients admitted to an infectious diseases department during the 2012-2013 influenza outbreak with cough and fever were included.
- Nasopharyngeal smears were collected for RT-PCR screening.
Main Results:
- Out of 98 admitted patients, 46 underwent RT-PCR screening, with 17.3% testing positive for influenza (11 males, 6 females, mean age 68).
- Pre-screening diagnoses frequently included lung infection and sepsis, with influenza often missed.
- Influenza diagnosis via RT-PCR led to adjustments in antibiotic use, initiation of oseltamivir treatment, and patient isolation.
Conclusions:
- Systematic RT-PCR screening facilitates rapid diagnosis and therapeutic intervention for influenza.
- Early identification and isolation of influenza cases are vital for preventing hospital-acquired epidemics.
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