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Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
Published on: January 30, 2017
Molecular characterization of influenza virus circulating in Nepal in the year 2019
Rachana Mehta1, Bimalesh Kumar Jha2, Balkrishna Awal2
1National Public Health Laboratory Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal. mehtarachana89@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Influenza (sometimes referred to as "flu") is a contagious viral infection of the airways in the lungs that affects a significant portion of the world's population. Clinical symptoms of influenza virus infections can range widely, from severe pneumonia to moderate or even asymptomatic sickness. If left untreated, influenza can have more severe effects on the heart, brain, and lungs than on the respiratory tract and can necessitate hospitalization. This study was aimed to investigate and characterize all types of influenza cases prevailing in Nepal and to analyze seasonal occurrence of Influenza in Nepal in the year 2019. A cross sectional, retrospective and descriptive study was carried out at National Influenza Center (NIC), National Public Health Laboratory Kathmandu Nepal for the period of one year (Jan-Dec 2019). A total of 3606 throat swab samples from various age groups and sexes were processed at the NIC. The specimens were primarily stored at 4 °C and processed using ABI 7500 RT PCR system for the identification of Influenza virus types and subtypes. Data accessed for research purpose were retrieved from National Influenza Centre (NIC) on 1st Jan 2020. Of the total 3606 patients suspected of having influenza infection, influenza viruses were isolated from 1213 (33.6%) patients with male predominance. The highest number of infection was caused by Influenza A/Pdm09 strain 739 (60.9%) followed by Influenza B 304 (25.1%) and Influenza A/H3 169 (13.9%) and most remarkable finding of this study was the detection of H5N1 in human which is the first ever case of such infection in human from Nepal. Similar to other tropical nations, influenza viruses were detected year-round in various geographical locations of Nepal. The influenza virus type and subtypes that were in circulation in Nepal were comparable to vaccine candidate viruses, which the currently available influenza vaccine may prevent.
Insights
Influenza surveillance in Nepal during 2019 identified Influenza A/Pdm09 as the most common strain. A significant finding was the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza detected in Nepal.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness affecting millions globally.
- Complications can include severe pneumonia, cardiac, brain, and lung issues, necessitating hospitalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize influenza virus types and subtypes circulating in Nepal in 2019.
- To analyze the seasonal patterns of influenza occurrence in Nepal.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Influenza Center, Nepal.
- 3606 throat swab samples were analyzed using RT-PCR for influenza virus identification.
- Data from January to December 2019 were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Influenza viruses were detected in 1213 (33.6%) of 3606 suspected cases.
- Influenza A/Pdm09 was the predominant strain (60.9%), followed by Influenza B (25.1%) and Influenza A/H3 (13.9%).
- The first human case of H5N1 avian influenza in Nepal was identified.
Conclusions:
- Influenza viruses circulated year-round in Nepal, consistent with tropical regions.
- Circulating strains were similar to vaccine candidates, suggesting potential protection from current influenza vaccines.
- The detection of H5N1 highlights the need for continued surveillance and preparedness.
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