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Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
Published on: January 30, 2017
Virological Characteristics of the 2014/2015 Influenza Season Based on Molecular Analysis of Biological Material
E Hallmann-Szelińska1, K Bednarska2, M Korczyńska3
1Department of Influenza Research, National Influenza Center, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, 24 Chocimska Street, 00-791, Warsaw, Poland. ehallmann@pzh.gov.pl.
Abstract:
The main goal of the international study I-MOVE (Influenza Monitoring of Vaccine Effectiveness) implemented in Poland is to identify and evaluate the activity types of influenza virus and to determine the effectiveness of vaccination against influenza in the 2014-2015 influenza season. The study is based on selecting patients with flu symptoms and collecting biological samples for laboratory examination. Detection, typing, and subtyping of influenza viruses were carried out by the National Center for Influenza Virus Research at National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, serving as a reference center, and also in selected laboratories of the Regional Sanitary Epidemiological Stations. Molecular biology methods, such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), were applied in this study. A total of 218 samples were collected. A hundred and twenty six samples, representing 57.8 % of the total, were confirmed with influenza virus infection. Influenza type A virus was detected in 54 samples, which included 16 samples of A/H1N1/pdm09 subtype and 11 samples of A/H3N2/ subtype. The remaining 27 samples positive for influenza type A were not subtyped. Influenza type B virus was detected in 57 samples, which appeared to be the dominant strain in this study. Furthermore, several cases of concurrent infection with influenza type B virus and the A/H1N/pdm09 or A/H3N2/ subtype were observed.
Insights
The I-MOVE study in Poland monitored influenza virus activity and vaccine effectiveness during the 2014-2015 season. Influenza B was the dominant strain, with co-infections also observed.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The 2014-2015 influenza season presented a need to monitor circulating influenza strains and assess vaccine effectiveness.
- Understanding local influenza epidemiology is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and evaluate influenza virus activity in Poland during the 2014-2015 season.
- To determine the effectiveness of influenza vaccination.
Main Methods:
- The study involved collecting biological samples from patients presenting with flu symptoms.
- Influenza virus detection, typing, and subtyping were performed using molecular methods like RT-PCR.
- A reference center and regional laboratories collaborated in sample analysis.
Main Results:
- Out of 218 collected samples, 126 (57.8%) tested positive for influenza.
- Influenza B virus was the dominant detected strain (57 samples).
- Influenza A was detected in 54 samples, including subtypes A/H1N1/pdm09 (16) and A/H3N2/ (11), with 27 un-subtyped. Concurrent infections were noted.
Conclusions:
- Influenza B was the predominant virus during the 2014-2015 season in Poland.
- The study highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance for influenza strains and co-infections.
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