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Published on: January 30, 2017
Detection of influenza A(H3N2) virus in children with suspected mumps during winter 2014/15 in England
C I Thompson1, J Ellis, M Galiano
1Public Health England, Virus Reference Department, Colindale, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Influenza A(H3N2) virus was detected in oral fluid from 16/107 children (aged 2 to 12 years) with a clinical diagnosis of mumps, who were sampled between December 2014 and February 2015 in England, during the peak of the 2014/15 influenza season. Sequence analysis of an A(H3N2) virus from a child with suspected mumps showed the virus was similar to other circulating A(H3N2) viruses detected in winter 2014/15, which were antigenically drifted from the A(H3N2) vaccine strain.
Insights
Influenza A(H3N2) virus was found in children clinically diagnosed with mumps in England. This finding highlights potential co-infections during the 2014/15 influenza season.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mumps is a viral illness typically affecting children.
- Co-infections with other respiratory viruses can complicate diagnosis and management.
- The 2014/15 influenza season in England saw circulation of Influenza A(H3N2).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of Influenza A(H3N2) in children with a clinical diagnosis of mumps.
- To characterize the genetic and antigenic properties of detected Influenza A(H3N2) strains.
Main Methods:
- Oral fluid samples were collected from children aged 2-12 years with suspected mumps.
- Samples were collected during the peak of the 2014/15 influenza season in England (December 2014 - February 2015).
- Influenza A(H3N2) detection was performed, and positive samples underwent sequence analysis.
Main Results:
- Influenza A(H3N2) was detected in 16 out of 107 children (14.9%) with suspected mumps.
- Sequence analysis revealed the A(H3N2) virus was similar to other contemporary strains circulating in winter 2014/15.
- The detected A(H3N2) viruses showed antigenic drift from the vaccine strain used during that season.
Conclusions:
- Influenza A(H3N2) co-infection can occur in children presenting with clinical symptoms of mumps.
- Routine surveillance and diagnostic approaches should consider the possibility of multiple viral infections.
- Antigenic drift in circulating influenza strains necessitates ongoing vaccine strain selection review.
