Influenza surveillance: alternative laboratory techniques for a developing country

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Public Health
• Immunology

Background:

• Conventional influenza virus isolation methods are often impractical in resource-limited settings.
• Effective influenza surveillance is crucial for public health in developing countries.
• Papua New Guinea sought to enhance its capacity for influenza virus detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an alternative method for influenza virus isolation and identification suitable for developing countries.
• To assess the utility of trypsin-treated LLC-MK2 cells and indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT) for influenza surveillance.
• To describe the application of these techniques in routine respiratory virus surveillance and outbreak investigation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized trypsin-treated LLC-MK2 cells for the isolation of myxoviruses.
• Employed the indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT) for identification of viral isolates.
• Applied IFAT for direct detection of viral antigens in clinical specimens.

Main Results:

• The combined technique of trypsin-treated LLC-MK2 cells and IFAT was effective for influenza virus isolation and identification.
• This approach enabled participation in a national influenza surveillance program.
• The methods were successfully applied in routine respiratory virus surveillance and during an influenza-like illness outbreak investigation.

Conclusions:

• The combination of trypsin-treated LLC-MK2 cells and IFAT provides a practical and effective strategy for influenza surveillance in resource-limited settings.
• This methodology facilitates participation in global influenza monitoring efforts.
• The techniques are valuable for both routine surveillance and outbreak investigations of respiratory illnesses.