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Chassaing M, Walczak C, Sausy A, Le Coroller G, Mossong J, Vergison A, Vujic A, Hübschen JM, Cauchie HM, Snoeck CJ, Ogorzaly L. Influenza RNA fluxes monitoring in wastewater as a complementary epidemiological surveillance indicator: A four-year nationwide study in Luxembourg. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2025; 982:179621. [PMID: 40367853 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2025] [Accepted: 05/05/2025] [Indexed: 05/16/2025]
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance has demonstrated success in monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in communities, indicating potential for extension to other respiratory viruses. This study investigates influenza A and B viruses (IAV; IBV) in raw urban wastewater over a 4-year period, introducing two key concepts: the use of viral RNA fluxes instead of concentration measurements and the determination of epidemiological parameters directly from wastewater data. The estimation of daily fluxes, representing the number of viral genome copies per day per 100,000 inhabitants, offers an integrative approach that combines microbiological and hydrological measurements to better assess viral particle dynamics in a water system. A total of 1013 wastewater samples collected between March 2020 and March 2024 from Luxembourg's four largest wastewater treatment plants (covering about 52 % of the population) were analysed using RT-qPCR and RT-droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR), following concentration of viral particles by ultrafiltration. Data on the presence of IAV and IBV were expressed as either detection rates or fluxes. Significant correlations were observed between the number of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases and both wastewater detection rates (RT-qPCR: Spearman ρ = 0.52; RT-ddPCR: ρ = 0.61, p-value <10-13) and viral RNA fluxes (RT-ddPCR: ρ = 0.64, p-value <10-15). More importantly, our results demonstrated that critical influenza seasonality parameters (start, peak and end weeks of the epidemic) can be effectively determined from wastewater data. These findings establish wastewater surveillance as a cost-effective, non-invasive approach to support and complement existing influenza surveillance programs, with potential applications for other respiratory pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Chassaing
- Environmental Microbiology Group, Environmental and Industrial Biotechnologies Unit, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Luxembourg
| | - Cécile Walczak
- Environmental Microbiology Group, Environmental and Industrial Biotechnologies Unit, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Luxembourg
| | - Aurélie Sausy
- Clinical and Applied Virology Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg
| | - Gwenaëlle Le Coroller
- Competence Center for Methodology and Statistics, Department of Medical Informatics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg
| | | | | | | | - Judith M Hübschen
- Clinical and Applied Virology Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg
| | - Henry-Michel Cauchie
- Environmental Microbiology Group, Environmental and Industrial Biotechnologies Unit, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Luxembourg
| | - Chantal J Snoeck
- Clinical and Applied Virology Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg.
| | - Leslie Ogorzaly
- Environmental Microbiology Group, Environmental and Industrial Biotechnologies Unit, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Luxembourg.
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Andreu-Vilarroig C, González-Parra G, Villanueva RJ. Mathematical Modeling of Influenza Dynamics: Integrating Seasonality and Gradual Waning Immunity. Bull Math Biol 2025; 87:75. [PMID: 40379989 PMCID: PMC12084257 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-025-01454-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2025] [Indexed: 05/19/2025]
Abstract
The dynamics of influenza virus spread is one of the most complex to model due to two crucial factors involved: seasonality and immunity. These factors have been typically addressed separately in mathematical modeling in epidemiology. In this paper, we present a mathematical modeling approach to consider simultaneously both forced-seasonality and gradual waning immunity. A seasonal SIRn model that integrates seasonality and gradual waning immunity is constructed. Seasonality has been modeled classically, by defining the transmission rate as a periodic function, with higher values in winter seasons. The progressive decline of immunity after infection has been introduced into the model structure by considering multiple recovered subpopulations or recovery states with transmission rates attenuated by a susceptibility factor that varies with the age of infection. To show the applicability of the proposed mathematical modeling approach to a real-world scenario, we have carried out a calibration of the model with the data series of influenza infections reported in the 2010-2020 period at the General Hospital of Castellón de la Plana, Spain. The results of the case study show the feasibility of the mathematical approach. We provide a discussion of the main features and insights of the proposed mathematical modeling approach presented in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Andreu-Vilarroig
- Instituto de Matemática Multidisciplinar, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera, s/n, Valencia, 46022, Spain
| | | | - Rafael-Jacinto Villanueva
- Instituto de Matemática Multidisciplinar, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera, s/n, Valencia, 46022, Spain
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Zhong S, Thompson M, Cowling B. The Potential for Twice-Annual Influenza Vaccination to Reduce Disease Burden. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2025; 19:e70052. [PMID: 40045876 PMCID: PMC11883281 DOI: 10.1111/irv.70052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2024] [Revised: 11/05/2024] [Accepted: 11/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza vaccination is recommended annually based on the evolving nature of influenza viruses and the waning of vaccine-induced immunity. The timing of vaccination is usually before the winter influenza season in most temperate locations, where the seasonality is clear and influenza activities on average last no longer than 6 months. However, many tropical and subtropical areas have year-round influenza activity and multiple epidemics within 1 year, against which annual influenza vaccination may not offer sufficient protection at the individual level. AIMS A twice-annual vaccination program could utilize standard inactivated influenza vaccines or enhanced influenza vaccines. Here, we discuss three reasons to consider twice-annual vaccination as a strategy to improve protection. DISCUSSION The first, mentioned above, is that some locations experience prolonged or year-round influenza activity. The second reason is based on the observation that vaccine effectiveness significantly declines about 6 months after vaccination particularly for A(H3N2) strains, and therefore, vaccination twice a year might be beneficial to maintain a higher level of immunity in the second half of each year. The third reason is to allow for receipt of the most updated vaccine strains, given that these are updated twice each year by the World Health Organization. We also discuss three potential barriers or challenges. The first potential challenge is knowledge gaps, because there are very few existing studies that used twice-annual vaccination. The second potential barrier is a concern over whether more frequent vaccination would lead to reduced immunogenicity or reduced clinical protection in the longer term. The third relates to concerns about cost or feasibility. CONCLUSION We discuss these issues and recommend comparative assessment of the incremental benefits and cost of twice-annual vaccination versus annual vaccination, as well as other vaccination strategies aiming to reduce influenza disease burden particularly in tropical and subtropical locations where there can be year-round influenza activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Zhong
- School of Public HealthUniversity of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | | | - Benjamin J. Cowling
- School of Public HealthUniversity of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health LimitedHong Kong Science and Technology ParkHong KongChina
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Dorji T, Dorji K, Chettri V, Gyeltshen S, Sadler H. Assessment of Influenza Severity in Bhutan by Using WHO Framework Pandemic Influenza Severity Assessment (PISA): An Implementation Research Study. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2025; 19:e70095. [PMID: 40109015 PMCID: PMC11923388 DOI: 10.1111/irv.70095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2025] [Accepted: 03/10/2025] [Indexed: 03/22/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza presents a significant global health challenge, with seasonal epidemics causing 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths annually. In Bhutan, the highest rates of influenza-associated hospitalizations were observed among children under 5 years of age emphasizing the need for robust surveillance and preparedness. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess influenza severity in Bhutan using the World Health Organization's (WHO) Pandemic Influenza Severity Assessment (PISA) framework. By integrating syndromic and influenza-specific data, we establish national-level baseline and threshold values for influenza activity. METHODS The WHO Average Curve Method was employed to establish seasonal and intensity thresholds, categorizing influenza severity based on historical data from 2016 to 2019 and 2023. RESULTS Analysis of influenza activity revealed near-continuous activity with two annual peaks. Thresholds for epidemic, moderate, high, and extraordinary levels of transmissibility and morbidity were determined. The 2019 season exhibited the highest transmissibility and morbidity, with significant variability in intensity across different seasons. CONCLUSION The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the PISA framework in assessing influenza severity in Bhutan. The established thresholds provide a valuable tool for public health decision-making, enhancing the country's preparedness for both seasonal and pandemic influenza. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining and adapting surveillance systems to monitor influenza activity year-round.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tshering Dorji
- National Influenza Centre (NIC)Royal Centre for Disease ControlThimphuBhutan
| | - Kunzang Dorji
- National Influenza Centre (NIC)Royal Centre for Disease ControlThimphuBhutan
| | - Vishal Chettri
- Food and Nutrition Laboratory (FNL)Royal Centre for Disease ControlThimphuBhutan
| | - Sonam Gyeltshen
- National Influenza Centre (NIC)Royal Centre for Disease ControlThimphuBhutan
| | - Holly Sadler
- Consultant to the World Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
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Kakoullis L, Rao SR, Ryan ET, Walker AT, Chen LH, LaRocque RC. Vaccination Against Influenza and Pneumococcus During Pretravel Health Consultations in the United States: Interventions and Missed Opportunities. Open Forum Infect Dis 2025; 12:ofae761. [PMID: 39817035 PMCID: PMC11733775 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Infections by Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza viruses are vaccine-preventable diseases causing great morbidity and mortality. We evaluated pneumococcal and influenza vaccination practices during pre-international travel health consultations. Methods We evaluated data on pretravel visits over a 10-year period (1 July 2012 through 31 June 2022) from 31 sites in Global TravEpiNet (GTEN), a consortium of US healthcare facilities providing pretravel health consultations. Data were collected using an online structured questionnaire utilized by GTEN providers. We obtained summary statistics and performed multivariable logistic regression models to identify characteristics associated with receiving the vaccinations. Results At 116 865 pretravel visits, 28 754 (25%) travelers were eligible to receive pneumococcal vaccination and 56 150 (48%) travelers were eligible to receive influenza vaccination. A total of 19 557 (68%) pneumococcal vaccine-eligible travelers were not offered the vaccine at the pretravel visit. Among influenza vaccine-eligible travelers, 8592 (15%) were not offered the vaccine, and an additional 16 931 (30%) travelers declined the vaccine. Influenza vaccine was not available for 8014 (14%) eligible travelers. Nonadministration of the influenza vaccine was most frequent in the months of April through September. Compared to nonacademic centers or centers in the South or Midwest, travelers seen in academic centers or centers in the Northeast were more likely to receive either vaccine. Conclusions Increasing awareness of global influenza transmission patterns and improving access to routine vaccines at the pretravel encounter may enhance vaccination for respiratory pathogens in departing US international travelers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukas Kakoullis
- Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sowmya R Rao
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Edward T Ryan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Travelers’ Advice and Immunization Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Allison T Walker
- Travelers’ Health Branch, Division of Global Migration Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lin H Chen
- Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Regina C LaRocque
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Travelers’ Advice and Immunization Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Hutchinson EC, Amorim MJ, Yamauchi Y. Understanding Influenza. Methods Mol Biol 2025; 2890:1-26. [PMID: 39890719 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4326-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2025]
Abstract
Influenza, a serious illness of humans and domesticated animals, has been studied intensively for many years. It therefore provides an example of how much we can learn from detailed studies of an infectious disease, and of how even the most intensive scientific research leaves further questions to answer. This introduction is written for researchers who have become interested in one of these unanswered questions, but who may not have previously worked on influenza. To investigate these questions, researchers must not only have a firm grasp of relevant methods and protocols; they must also be familiar with the basic details of our current understanding of influenza. This chapter briefly covers the burden of disease that has driven influenza research, summarizes how our thinking about influenza has evolved over time, and sets out key features of influenza viruses by discussing how we classify them and what we currently understand of their replication. It does not aim to be comprehensive, as any researcher will read deeply into the specific areas that have grasped their interest. Instead, it aims to provide a general summary of how we came to think about influenza in the way we do now, in the hope that the reader's own research will help us to understand it better.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria João Amorim
- Católica Biomedical Research Centre (CBR), Católica Medical School, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Yohei Yamauchi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Kyaw MH, Chen SB, Wu S, Foo CY, Welch V, Boikos C, Jagun O. Systematic Review on Influenza Burden in Emerging Markets in 2018-2023-An Evidence Update to Guide Influenza Vaccination Recommendations. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:1251. [PMID: 39591154 PMCID: PMC11599016 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12111251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2024] [Revised: 10/29/2024] [Accepted: 10/31/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness responsible for seasonal epidemics and with potential to cause pandemics. The decline in influenza-related studies published since 2018 resulted in data gaps, particularly in emerging markets. Methods: This systematic review searched for studies in six databases and gray literature sources to define the clinical burden of influenza and influenza-like illness (ILIs) and their associated sequelae among humans across emerging markets. Eligible studies were published in English, Spanish, or Chinese between January 2018 and September 2023 and conducted in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Results: In total, 256 articles were included, mostly on lab-confirmed influenza infections (n = 218). Incidences of lab-confirmed influenza cases in Asia (range 540-1279 cases/100,000 persons) and Sub-Saharan Africa (range 34,100-47,800 cases/100,000 persons) were higher compared to Latin America (range 0.7-112 cases/100,000 persons) and the Middle East and North Africa (range 0.1-10 cases/100,000 persons). Proportions of lab-confirmed influenza cases and influenza-associated outcomes (i.e., hospitalization, ICU admission and death) varied widely across regions. Temporal variation in influenza trend was observed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: In conclusion, influenza causes significant disease burden in emerging markets. Robust large real-world studies using a similar methodology are needed to have more accurate estimates and compare studies within age groups and regions. Continuous monitoring of influenza epidemiology is important to inform vaccine programs in emerging markets with heavy influenza disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moe H. Kyaw
- Pfizer Inc., Collegeville, PA 19426, USA; (V.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Sophie Bozhi Chen
- Real World Solutions, IQVIA, Singapore 079906, Singapore; (S.B.C.); (S.W.); (C.Y.F.)
| | - Shishi Wu
- Real World Solutions, IQVIA, Singapore 079906, Singapore; (S.B.C.); (S.W.); (C.Y.F.)
| | - Chee Yoong Foo
- Real World Solutions, IQVIA, Singapore 079906, Singapore; (S.B.C.); (S.W.); (C.Y.F.)
| | - Verna Welch
- Pfizer Inc., Collegeville, PA 19426, USA; (V.W.); (C.B.)
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Gharpure R, Yoo YM, Andagalu B, Tempia S, Loayza S, Machingaidze C, Nyawanda BO, Dawa J, Osoro E, Jalang'o R, Lafond KE, Rolfes MA, Emukule GO. Estimating Influenza Illnesses Averted by Year-Round and Seasonal Campaign Vaccination for Young Children, Kenya. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:2362-2369. [PMID: 39447183 PMCID: PMC11521166 DOI: 10.3201/eid3011.240375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In Kenya, influenza virus circulates year-round, raising questions about optimum strategies for vaccination. Given national interest in introducing influenza vaccination for young children 6-23 months of age, we modeled total influenza-associated illnesses (inclusive of hospitalizations, outpatient illnesses, and non‒medically attended illnesses) averted by multiple potential vaccination strategies: year-round versus seasonal-campaign vaccination, and vaccination starting in April (Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine availability) versus October (Northern Hemisphere availability). We modeled average vaccine effectiveness of 50% and annual vaccination coverage of 60%. In the introduction year, year-round vaccination averted 6,410 total illnesses when introduced in October and 7,202 illnesses when introduced in April, whereas seasonal-campaign vaccination averted 10,236 (October) to 11,612 (April) illnesses. In the year after introduction, both strategies averted comparable numbers of illnesses (10,831-10,868 for year-round, 10,175-11,282 for campaign). Campaign-style vaccination would likely have a greater effect during initial pediatric influenza vaccine introduction in Kenya; however, either strategy could achieve similar longer-term effects.
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Dawa J, Jalang'o R, Mirieri H, Kalani R, Marwanga D, Lafond KE, Muriuki MM, Ejoi J, Chiguba F, Patta S, Amoth P, Okunga E, Tabu C, Chaves SS, Ebama MS, Muthoka P, Njenga V, Kiptoo E, Jewa I, Mwanyamawi R, Bresee J, Njenga MK, Osoro E, Mecca L, Emukule GO. Comparing performance of year-round and campaign-mode influenza vaccination strategies among children aged 6-23 months in Kenya: 2019-2021. Vaccine 2024; 42 Suppl 4:125461. [PMID: 38105140 PMCID: PMC11382164 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2016, the Kenya National Immunization Technical Advisory Group requested additional programmatic and cost effectiveness data to inform the choice of strategy for a national influenza vaccination program among children aged 6-23 months of age. In response, we conducted an influenza vaccine demonstration project to compare the performance of a year-round versus campaign-mode vaccination strategy. Findings from this demonstration project will help identify essential learning lessons for a national program. METHODS We compared two vaccine delivery strategies: (i) a year-round vaccination strategy where influenza vaccines were administered throughout the year at health facilities. This strategy was implemented in Njoro sub-county in Nakuru (November 2019 to October 2021) and Jomvu sub-county in Mombasa (December 2019 to October 2021), (ii) a campaign-mode vaccination strategy where vaccines were available at health facilities over four months. This strategy was implemented in Nakuru North sub-county in Nakuru (June to September 2021) and Likoni sub-county in Mombasa (July to October 2021). We assessed differences in coverage, dropout rates, vaccine wastage, and operational needs. RESULTS We observed similar performance between strategies in coverage of the first dose of influenza vaccine (year-round strategy 59.7 %, campaign strategy 63.2 %). The coverage obtained in the year-round sub-counties was similar (Njoro 57.4 %; Jomvu 63.1 %); however, more marked differences between campaign sub-counties were observed (Nakuru North 73.4 %; Likoni 55.2 %). The campaign-mode strategy exceeded the cold chain capacity of participating health facilities, requiring thrice monthly instead of once monthly deliveries, and was associated with a two-fold increase in workload compared to the year-round strategy (168 vaccines administered per day in the campaign strategy versus 83 vaccines administered per day in the year-round strategy). CONCLUSION Although both strategies had similar coverage levels, the campaign-mode strategy was associated with considerable operational needs that could significantly impact the immunization program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette Dawa
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Rose Jalang'o
- National Vaccines and Immunisation Program, Ministry of Health, Kenya
| | - Harriet Mirieri
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rosalia Kalani
- Division of Disease Surveillance and Response, Ministry of Health, Kenya
| | - Doris Marwanga
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kathryn E Lafond
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Joyce Ejoi
- Department of Health, Nakuru County, Kenya
| | | | - Shem Patta
- Department of Health, Mombasa County, Kenya
| | | | - Emmanuel Okunga
- Division of Disease Surveillance and Response, Ministry of Health, Kenya
| | - Collins Tabu
- National Vaccines and Immunisation Program, Ministry of Health, Kenya
| | - Sandra S Chaves
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Malembe S Ebama
- Partnership for Influenza Vaccine Introduction, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Isaac Jewa
- Department of Health, Mombasa County, Kenya
| | | | - Joseph Bresee
- Partnership for Influenza Vaccine Introduction, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M Kariuki Njenga
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Eric Osoro
- Washington State University (WSU) Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Lucy Mecca
- National Vaccines and Immunisation Program, Ministry of Health, Kenya
| | - Gideon O Emukule
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
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Dorji T, Dorji K, Gyeltshen S. Evolution of Influenza A(H3N2) Viruses in Bhutan for Two Consecutive Years, 2022 and 2023. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e70028. [PMID: 39443295 PMCID: PMC11498999 DOI: 10.1111/irv.70028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 09/25/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza A viruses pose a significant public health threat globally and are characterized by rapid evolution of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene causing seasonal epidemics. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolutionary dynamics of A(H3N2) circulating in Bhutan during 2022 and 2023. METHODS We analysed 166 whole-genome sequences of influenza A(H3N2) from Bhutan, obtained from the GISAID database. We employed a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) framework, with a curated global dataset of HA sequences from regions with significant migration links to Bhutan. Phylogenetic, temporal, and phylogeographic analyses were conducted to elucidate the evolutionary dynamics and spatial dissemination of the viruses. RESULTS Our phylogenetic analysis identified the circulation of influenza A(H3N2) Clade 3C.2a1b.2a.2 in Bhutan during 2022 and 2023, with viruses further classified into three subclades: 2a.3 (39/166), 2a.3a.1 (58/166) and 2a.3b (69/166). The TMRCA estimates suggest that these viral lineages originated approximately 1.93 years prior to their detection. Phylogeographic analysis indicates introductions from the United States in 2022 and Australia in 2023. The mean evolutionary rate across all gene segments was calculated to be 4.42 × 10-3 substitutions per site per year (95% HPD: 3.19 × 10-3 to 5.84 × 10-3), with evidence of purifying selection and limited genetic diversity. Furthermore, reassortment events were rare, with an estimated rate of 0.045 events per lineage per year. CONCLUSION Our findings show that primary forces shaping the local evolution of the influenza A(H3N2) in Bhutan are largely stochastic, with only sporadic instances of adaptive change, and thus underscore the importance of continuous surveillance to mitigate the impact of evolving strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tshering Dorji
- National Influenza Centre (NIC), Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of HealthRoyal Government of BhutanThimphuBhutan
| | - Kunzang Dorji
- National Influenza Centre (NIC), Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of HealthRoyal Government of BhutanThimphuBhutan
| | - Sonam Gyeltshen
- National Influenza Centre (NIC), Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of HealthRoyal Government of BhutanThimphuBhutan
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Andreu-Vilarroig C, Villanueva RJ, González-Parra G. Mathematical modeling for estimating influenza vaccine efficacy: A case study of the Valencian Community, Spain. Infect Dis Model 2024; 9:744-762. [PMID: 38689854 PMCID: PMC11058883 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccine efficacy and its quantification is a crucial concept for the proper design of public health vaccination policies. In this work we proposed a mathematical model to estimate the efficacy of the influenza vaccine in a real-word scenario. In particular, our model is a SEIR-type epidemiological model, which distinguishes vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. Mathematically, its dynamics is governed by a nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations, where the non-linearity arises from the effective contacts between susceptible and infected individuals. Two key aspects of this study is that we use a vaccine distribution over time that is based on real data specific to the elderly people in the Valencian Community and the calibration process takes into account that over one influenza season a specific proportion of the population becomes infected with influenza. To consider the effectiveness of the vaccine, the model incorporates a parameter, the vaccine attenuation factor, which is related with the vaccine efficacy against the influenza virus. With this framework, in order to calibrate the model parameters and to obtain an influenza vaccine efficacy estimation, we considered the 2016-2017 influenza season in the Valencian Community, Spain, using the influenza reported cases of vaccinated and unvaccinated. In order to ensure the model identifiability, we choose to deterministically calibrate the parameters for different scenarios and we find the one with the minimum error in order to determine the vaccine efficacy. The calibration results suggest that the influenza vaccine developed for 2016-2017 influenza season has an efficacy of approximately 76.7%, and that the risk of becoming infected is five times higher for an unvaccinated individual in comparison with a vaccinated one. This estimation partially agrees with some previous studies related to the influenza vaccine. This study presents a new integrated mathematical approach to study the influenza vaccine efficacy and gives further insight into this important public health topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Andreu-Vilarroig
- Instituto de Matemática Multidisciplinar, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rafael J. Villanueva
- Instituto de Matemática Multidisciplinar, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gilberto González-Parra
- Instituto de Matemática Multidisciplinar, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Mathematics, New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM, USA
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12
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Wodniak N, Vilivong K, Khamphaphongphane B, Sengkeopraseuth B, Somoulay V, Chiew M, Ketmayoon P, Jiao M, Phimmasine S, Co K, Leuangvilay P, Otsu S, Khanthamaly V, Keopaseuth P, Davis W, Montgomery M, Xangsayyarath P. Epidemiologic and Virologic Characteristics of Influenza in Lao PDR, 2016-2023. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e13353. [PMID: 39104091 PMCID: PMC11300510 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza sentinel surveillance in Lao PDR is used to inform seasonal vaccination programs. This analysis reviews epidemiologic and virologic characteristics of influenza virus infection over 8 years, before and after emergence of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS Data collected for ILI and SARI surveillance during January 2016 through December 2023 were analyzed from nine hospitals. Respiratory specimens from ILI and SARI cases were tested by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to determine influenza positivity and subtype and lineage. Aggregate counts of outpatient visits and hospitalizations were collected from hospital logbooks. Epidemiologic trends of influenza activity were described, and the proportional contribution of influenza-associated ILI and SARI to outpatient and inpatient loads was estimated. RESULTS Influenza was detected year-round with positivity peaking during September through January and occurring in most years approximately 1 month earlier in the south than the north. After decreasing in 2 years following the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, influenza positivity increased in 2022 and resumed its typical temporal trend. Influenza-associated ILI contribution to outpatient visits was highest among children ages 5-14 years (3.0% of all outpatient visits in 2023), and influenza-associated SARI contribution to inpatient hospitalizations was highest among children ages 2-4 years (2.2% of all hospitalizations in 2023). CONCLUSIONS Influenza surveillance in Lao PDR provides clinicians and public health authorities with information on geographic and temporal patterns of influenza transmission. Influenza surveillance data support current vaccination timing and recommendations to vaccinate certain populations, especially young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Wodniak
- Thailand Ministry of Public Health‐U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CollaborationNonthaburiThailand
| | - KeoOudomphone Vilivong
- National Center for Laboratory and EpidemiologyVientianeLao People's Democratic Republic
| | | | | | - Virasack Somoulay
- National Center for Laboratory and EpidemiologyVientianeLao People's Democratic Republic
| | - May Chiew
- WHO Health Emergencies ProgrammeWorld Health OrganizationVientianeLao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Pakapak Ketmayoon
- WHO Health Emergencies ProgrammeWorld Health OrganizationVientianeLao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Melissa Jiao
- WHO Health Emergencies ProgrammeWorld Health OrganizationVientianeLao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Sonesavanh Phimmasine
- WHO Health Emergencies ProgrammeWorld Health OrganizationVientianeLao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Kim Carmela Co
- WHO Health Emergencies ProgrammeWorld Health OrganizationVientianeLao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Phetdavanh Leuangvilay
- WHO Health Emergencies ProgrammeWorld Health OrganizationVientianeLao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Satoko Otsu
- WHO Health Emergencies ProgrammeWorld Health OrganizationVientianeLao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Viengphone Khanthamaly
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration‐LaosVientianeLao People's Democratic Republic
- Influenza DivisionNational Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | | | - William W. Davis
- Thailand Ministry of Public Health‐U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CollaborationNonthaburiThailand
- Influenza DivisionNational Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Martha P. Montgomery
- Thailand Ministry of Public Health‐U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CollaborationNonthaburiThailand
- Influenza DivisionNational Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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13
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Spindler R, Rothe C. [Pretravel medical consultation]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 65:137-149. [PMID: 38276977 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-023-01642-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Many patients seek pretravel advice during routine consultations in a general practice so that basic knowledge of travel medicine is warranted. Using the example of trips to Bali, Peru and Tanzania, the most relevant topics of a pretravel consultation for these popular destinations are depicted. These include vaccinations, malaria prevention and recommendations on exposure prophylaxis for insect bites. Furthermore, special risk situations, such as travel to high altitudes or freshwater contact are discussed. In special cases, the advice of an expert in travel medicine is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Spindler
- Abteilung für Infektions- und Tropenmedizin, LMU Klinikum München, Leopoldstr. 5, 80802, München, Deutschland.
| | - Camilla Rothe
- Abteilung für Infektions- und Tropenmedizin, LMU Klinikum München, Leopoldstr. 5, 80802, München, Deutschland
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14
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Kubale J, Kujawski S, Chen I, Wu Z, Khader IA, Hasibra I, Whitaker B, Gresh L, Simaku A, Simões EAF, Al-Gazo M, Rogers S, Gerber SI, Balmaseda A, Tallo VL, Al-Sanouri TM, Porter R, Bino S, Azziz-Baumgartner E, McMorrow M, Hunt D, Thompson M, Biggs HM, Gordon A. Etiology of Acute Lower Respiratory Illness Hospitalizations Among Infants in 4 Countries. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad580. [PMID: 38130597 PMCID: PMC10733183 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies explored which pathogens drive the global burden of pneumonia hospitalizations among young children. However, the etiology of broader acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs) remains unclear. Methods Using a multicountry study (Albania, Jordan, Nicaragua, and the Philippines) of hospitalized infants and non-ill community controls between 2015 and 2017, we assessed the prevalence and severity of viral infections and coinfections. We also estimated the proportion of ALRI hospitalizations caused by 21 respiratory pathogens identified via multiplex real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with bayesian nested partially latent class models. Results An overall 3632 hospitalized infants and 1068 non-ill community controls participated in the study and had specimens tested. Among hospitalized infants, 1743 (48.0%) met the ALRI case definition for the etiology analysis. After accounting for the prevalence in non-ill controls, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was responsible for the largest proportion of ALRI hospitalizations, although the magnitude varied across sites-ranging from 65.2% (95% credible interval, 46.3%-79.6%) in Albania to 34.9% (95% credible interval, 20.0%-49.0%) in the Philippines. While the fraction of ALRI hospitalizations caused by RSV decreased as age increased, it remained the greatest driver. After RSV, rhinovirus/enterovirus (range, 13.4%-27.1%) and human metapneumovirus (range, 6.3%-12.0%) were the next-highest contributors to ALRI hospitalizations. Conclusions We observed substantial numbers of ALRI hospitalizations, with RSV as the largest source, particularly in infants aged <3 months. This underscores the potential for vaccines and long-lasting monoclonal antibodies on the horizon to reduce the burden of ALRI in infants worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kubale
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephanie Kujawski
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Irena Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Zhenke Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Iris Hasibra
- Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Brett Whitaker
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lionel Gresh
- Sustainable Sciences Institute, Managua, Nicaragua
| | - Artan Simaku
- Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Eric A F Simões
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Center for Global Health, Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mahmoud Al-Gazo
- The Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network, Amman, Jordan
| | - Shannon Rogers
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Susan I Gerber
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Angel Balmaseda
- Sustainable Sciences Institute, Managua, Nicaragua
- Centro Nacional de Diagnóstico y Referencia, Ministry of Health, Managua, Nicaragua
| | - Veronica L Tallo
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Rachael Porter
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Silvia Bino
- Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Meredith McMorrow
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Mark Thompson
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Holly M Biggs
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Aubree Gordon
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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15
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Kakoullis L, Steffen R, Osterhaus A, Goeijenbier M, Rao SR, Koiso S, Hyle EP, Ryan ET, LaRocque RC, Chen LH. Influenza: seasonality and travel-related considerations. J Travel Med 2023; 30:taad102. [PMID: 37535890 PMCID: PMC11758160 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE FOR REVIEW This review aims to summarize the transmission patterns of influenza, its seasonality in different parts of the globe, air travel- and cruise ship-related influenza infections and interventions to reduce transmission. KEY FINDINGS The seasonality of influenza varies globally, with peak periods occurring mainly between October and April in the northern hemisphere (NH) and between April and October in the southern hemisphere (SH) in temperate climate zones. However, influenza seasonality is significantly more variable in the tropics. Influenza is one of the most common travel-related, vaccine-preventable diseases and can be contracted during travel, such as during a cruise or through air travel. Additionally, travellers can come into contact with people from regions with ongoing influenza transmission. Current influenza immunization schedules in the NH and SH leave individuals susceptible during their respective spring and summer months if they travel to the other hemisphere during that time. CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS The differences in influenza seasonality between hemispheres have substantial implications for the effectiveness of influenza vaccination of travellers. Health care providers should be aware of influenza activity when patients report travel plans, and they should provide alerts and advise on prevention, diagnostic and treatment options. To mitigate the risk of travel-related influenza, interventions include antivirals for self-treatment (in combination with the use of rapid self-tests), extending the shelf life of influenza vaccines to enable immunization during the summer months for international travellers and allowing access to the influenza vaccine used in the opposite hemisphere as a travel-related vaccine. With the currently available vaccines, the most important preventive measure involves optimizing the seasonal influenza vaccination. It is also imperative that influenza is recognized as a travel-related illness among both travellers and health care professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukas Kakoullis
- Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Robert Steffen
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health — Houston, TX, United States
| | - Albert Osterhaus
- Research Center Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marco Goeijenbier
- Department of Intensive Care, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sowmya R. Rao
- Department of Global Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Satoshi Koiso
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Emily P. Hyle
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Edward T. Ryan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Regina C. LaRocque
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Lin H. Chen
- Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA, United States
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16
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Lampros A, Talla C, Diarra M, Tall B, Sagne S, Diallo MK, Diop B, Oumar I, Dia N, Sall AA, Barry MA, Loucoubar C. Shifting Patterns of Influenza Circulation during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Senegal. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1808-1817. [PMID: 37610149 PMCID: PMC10461650 DOI: 10.3201/eid2909.230307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically low levels of seasonal influenza circulation were reported during the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic and were mainly attributed to implementation of nonpharmaceutical interventions. In tropical regions, influenza's seasonality differs largely, and data on this topic are scarce. We analyzed data from Senegal's sentinel syndromic surveillance network before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to assess changes in influenza circulation. We found that influenza shows year-round circulation in Senegal and has 2 distinct epidemic peaks: during January-March and during the rainy season in August-October. During 2021-2022, the expected January-March influenza peak completely disappeared, corresponding to periods of active SARS-CoV-2 circulation. We noted an unexpected influenza epidemic peak during May-July 2022. The observed reciprocal circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza suggests that factors such as viral interference might be at play and should be further investigated in tropical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Lampros
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France (A. Lampros)
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal (A. Lampros, C. Talla, M. Diarra, B. Tall, S. Sagne, M. Korka Diallo, N. Dia, A.A. Sall, M.A. Barry, C. Loucoubar)
- Government of Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action, Dakar (A. Lampros, B. Diop)
- World Health Organization, Dakar (A. Lampros, I. Oumar)
| | - Cheikh Talla
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France (A. Lampros)
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal (A. Lampros, C. Talla, M. Diarra, B. Tall, S. Sagne, M. Korka Diallo, N. Dia, A.A. Sall, M.A. Barry, C. Loucoubar)
- Government of Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action, Dakar (A. Lampros, B. Diop)
- World Health Organization, Dakar (A. Lampros, I. Oumar)
| | - Maryam Diarra
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France (A. Lampros)
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal (A. Lampros, C. Talla, M. Diarra, B. Tall, S. Sagne, M. Korka Diallo, N. Dia, A.A. Sall, M.A. Barry, C. Loucoubar)
- Government of Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action, Dakar (A. Lampros, B. Diop)
- World Health Organization, Dakar (A. Lampros, I. Oumar)
| | - Billo Tall
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France (A. Lampros)
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal (A. Lampros, C. Talla, M. Diarra, B. Tall, S. Sagne, M. Korka Diallo, N. Dia, A.A. Sall, M.A. Barry, C. Loucoubar)
- Government of Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action, Dakar (A. Lampros, B. Diop)
- World Health Organization, Dakar (A. Lampros, I. Oumar)
| | - Samba Sagne
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France (A. Lampros)
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal (A. Lampros, C. Talla, M. Diarra, B. Tall, S. Sagne, M. Korka Diallo, N. Dia, A.A. Sall, M.A. Barry, C. Loucoubar)
- Government of Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action, Dakar (A. Lampros, B. Diop)
- World Health Organization, Dakar (A. Lampros, I. Oumar)
| | - Mamadou Korka Diallo
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France (A. Lampros)
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal (A. Lampros, C. Talla, M. Diarra, B. Tall, S. Sagne, M. Korka Diallo, N. Dia, A.A. Sall, M.A. Barry, C. Loucoubar)
- Government of Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action, Dakar (A. Lampros, B. Diop)
- World Health Organization, Dakar (A. Lampros, I. Oumar)
| | - Boly Diop
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France (A. Lampros)
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal (A. Lampros, C. Talla, M. Diarra, B. Tall, S. Sagne, M. Korka Diallo, N. Dia, A.A. Sall, M.A. Barry, C. Loucoubar)
- Government of Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action, Dakar (A. Lampros, B. Diop)
- World Health Organization, Dakar (A. Lampros, I. Oumar)
| | - Ibrahim Oumar
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France (A. Lampros)
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal (A. Lampros, C. Talla, M. Diarra, B. Tall, S. Sagne, M. Korka Diallo, N. Dia, A.A. Sall, M.A. Barry, C. Loucoubar)
- Government of Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action, Dakar (A. Lampros, B. Diop)
- World Health Organization, Dakar (A. Lampros, I. Oumar)
| | - Ndongo Dia
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France (A. Lampros)
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal (A. Lampros, C. Talla, M. Diarra, B. Tall, S. Sagne, M. Korka Diallo, N. Dia, A.A. Sall, M.A. Barry, C. Loucoubar)
- Government of Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action, Dakar (A. Lampros, B. Diop)
- World Health Organization, Dakar (A. Lampros, I. Oumar)
| | - Amadou Alpha Sall
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France (A. Lampros)
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal (A. Lampros, C. Talla, M. Diarra, B. Tall, S. Sagne, M. Korka Diallo, N. Dia, A.A. Sall, M.A. Barry, C. Loucoubar)
- Government of Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action, Dakar (A. Lampros, B. Diop)
- World Health Organization, Dakar (A. Lampros, I. Oumar)
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Liang Y, Sun Z, Hua W, Li D, Han L, Liu J, Huo L, Zhang H, Zhang S, Zhao Y, He X. Spatiotemporal effects of meteorological conditions on global influenza peaks. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116171. [PMID: 37230217 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have suggested that meteorological conditions such as temperature and absolute humidity are highly indicative of influenza outbreaks. However, the explanatory power of meteorological factors on the seasonal influenza peaks varied widely between countries at different latitudes. OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore the modification effects of meteorological factors on the seasonal influenza peaks in multi-countries. METHODS Data on influenza positive rate (IPR) were collected across 57 countries and data on meteorological factors were collected from ECMWF Reanalysis v5 (ERA5). We used linear regression and generalized additive models to investigate the spatiotemporal associations between meteorological conditions and influenza peaks in cold and warm seasons. RESULTS Influenza peaks were significantly correlated with months with both lower and higher temperatures. In temperate countries, the average intensity of cold season peaks was stronger than that of warm season peaks. However, the average intensity of warm season peaks was stronfger than of cold season peaks in tropical countries. Temperature and specific humidity had synergistic effects on influenza peaks at different latitudes, stronger in temperate countries (cold season: R2=0.90; warm season: R2=0.84) and weaker in tropical countries (cold season: R2=0.64; warm season: R2=0.03). Furthermore, the effects could be divided into cold-dry and warm-humid modes. The temperature transition threshold between the two modes was 16.5-19.5 °C. During the transition from cold-dry mode to warm-humid mode, the average 2 m specific humidity increased by 2.15 times, illustrating that transporting a large amount of water vapor may compensate for the negative effect of rising temperatures on the spread of the influenza virus. CONCLUSION Differences in the global influenza peaks were related to the synergistic influence of temperature and specific humidity. The global influenza peaks could be divided into cold-dry and warm-humid modes, and specific thresholds of meteorological conditions were needed for the transition of the two modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglin Liang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, 610225, China; State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather (LASW), Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences (CAMS), CMA, Beijing, 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Urban Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, 100089, China
| | - Zhaobin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather (LASW), Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences (CAMS), CMA, Beijing, 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Urban Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, 100089, China.
| | - Wei Hua
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, 610225, China.
| | - Demin Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, 100192, China
| | - Ling Han
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Cardiology Department, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Liming Huo
- Cardiology Department, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Hongchun Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, 100192, China
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather (LASW), Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences (CAMS), CMA, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yuxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather (LASW), Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences (CAMS), CMA, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiaonan He
- Emergency Critical Care Center, Beijing AnZhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China
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18
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Igboh LS, Roguski K, Marcenac P, Emukule GO, Charles MD, Tempia S, Herring B, Vandemaele K, Moen A, Olsen SJ, Wentworth DE, Kondor R, Mott JA, Hirve S, Bresee JS, Mangtani P, Nguipdop-Djomo P, Azziz-Baumgartner E. Timing of seasonal influenza epidemics for 25 countries in Africa during 2010-19: a retrospective analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e729-e739. [PMID: 37061311 PMCID: PMC10126228 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00109-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using country-specific surveillance data to describe influenza epidemic activity could inform decisions on the timing of influenza vaccination. We analysed surveillance data from African countries to characterise the timing of seasonal influenza epidemics to inform national vaccination strategies. METHODS We used publicly available sentinel data from African countries reporting to the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response FluNet platform that had 3-10 years of data collected during 2010-19. We calculated a 3-week moving proportion of samples positive for influenza virus and assessed epidemic timing using an aggregate average method. The start and end of each epidemic were defined as the first week when the proportion of positive samples exceeded or went below the annual mean, respectively, for at least 3 consecutive weeks. We categorised countries into five epidemic patterns: northern hemisphere-dominant, with epidemics occurring in October-March; southern hemisphere-dominant, with epidemics occurring in April-September; primarily northern hemisphere with some epidemic activity in southern hemisphere months; primarily southern hemisphere with some epidemic activity in northern hemisphere months; and year-round influenza transmission without a discernible northern hemisphere or southern hemisphere predominance (no clear pattern). FINDINGS Of the 34 countries reporting data to FluNet, 25 had at least 3 years of data, representing 46% of the countries in Africa and 89% of Africa's population. Study countries reported RT-PCR respiratory virus results for a total of 503 609 specimens (median 12 971 [IQR 9607-20 960] per country-year), of which 74 001 (15%; median 2078 [IQR 1087-3008] per country-year) were positive for influenza viruses. 248 epidemics occurred across 236 country-years of data (median 10 [range 7-10] per country). Six (24%) countries had a northern hemisphere pattern (Algeria, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Morocco, Niger, and Tunisia). Eight (32%) had a primarily northern hemisphere pattern with some southern hemisphere epidemics (Cameroon, Ethiopia, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Togo). Three (12%) had a primarily southern hemisphere pattern with some northern hemisphere epidemics (Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda). Three (12%) had a southern hemisphere pattern (Central African Republic, South Africa, and Zambia). Five (20%) had no clear pattern (Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Rwanda). INTERPRETATION Most countries had identifiable influenza epidemic periods that could be used to inform authorities of non-seasonal and seasonal influenza activity, guide vaccine timing, and promote timely interventions. FUNDING None. TRANSLATIONS For the Berber, Luganda, Xhosa, Chewa, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and Afan Oromo translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ledor S Igboh
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Immunization Systems Branch, Global Immunization Division, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Katherine Roguski
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Perrine Marcenac
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Myrna D Charles
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stefano Tempia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Infectious Hazard Management, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Belinda Herring
- World Health Organization-Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Katelijn Vandemaele
- Department of Infectious Hazard Management, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ann Moen
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sonja J Olsen
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David E Wentworth
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca Kondor
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Josh A Mott
- Department of Infectious Hazard Management, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Siddhivinayak Hirve
- Department of Infectious Hazard Management, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Punam Mangtani
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Patrick Nguipdop-Djomo
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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19
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Epelboin L, Abboud P, Abdelmoumen K, About F, Adenis A, Blaise T, Blaizot R, Bonifay T, Bourne-Watrin M, Boutrou M, Carles G, Carlier PY, Carod JF, Carvalho L, Couppié P, De Toffol B, Delon F, Demar M, Destoop J, Douine M, Droz JP, Elenga N, Enfissi A, Franck YK, Fremery A, Gaillet M, Kallel H, Kpangon AA, Lavergne A, Le Turnier P, Maisonobe L, Michaud C, Mutricy R, Nacher M, Naldjinan-Kodbaye R, Oberlis M, Odonne G, Osei L, Pujo J, Rabier S, Roman-Laverdure B, Rousseau C, Rousset D, Sabbah N, Sainte-Rose V, Schaub R, Sylla K, Tareau MA, Tertre V, Thorey C, Vialette V, Walter G, Zappa M, Djossou F, Vignier N. [Overview of infectious and non-infectious diseases in French Guiana in 2022]. MEDECINE TROPICALE ET SANTE INTERNATIONALE 2023; 3:mtsi.v3i1.2023.308. [PMID: 37389381 PMCID: PMC10300792 DOI: 10.48327/mtsi.v3i1.2023.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Source of many myths, French Guiana represents an exceptional territory due to the richness of its biodiversity and the variety of its communities. The only European territory in Amazonia, surrounded by the Brazilian giant and the little-known Suriname, Ariane 6 rockets are launched from Kourou while 50% of the population lives below the poverty line. This paradoxical situation is a source of health problems specific to this territory, whether they be infectious diseases with unknown germs, intoxications or chronic pathologies.Some infectious diseases such as Q fever, toxoplasmosis, cryptococcosis or HIV infection are in common with temperate countries, but present specificities leading to sometimes different management and medical reasoning. In addition to these pathologies, many tropical diseases are present in an endemic and / or epidemic mode such as malaria, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, histoplasmosis or dengue. Besides, Amazonian dermatology is extremely varied, ranging from rare but serious pathologies (Buruli ulcer, leprosy) to others which are frequent and benign such as agouti lice (mites of the family Trombiculidae) or papillonitis. Envenomations by wild fauna are not rare, and deserve an appropriate management of the incriminated taxon. Obstetrical, cardiovascular and metabolic cosmopolitan pathologies sometimes take on a particular dimension in French Guiana that must be taken into account in the management of patients. Finally, different types of intoxication are to be known by practitioners, especially due to heavy metals.European-level resources offer diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities that do not exist in the surrounding countries and regions, thus allowing the management of diseases that are not well known elsewhere.Thanks to these same European-level resources, research in Guyana occupies a key place within the Amazon region, despite a smaller population than in the surrounding countries. Thus, certain pathologies such as histoplasmosis of the immunocompromised patient, Amazonian toxoplasmosis or Q fever are hardly described in neighboring countries, probably due to under-diagnosis linked to more limited resources. French Guiana plays a leading role in the study of these diseases.The objective of this overview is to guide health care providers coming to or practicing in French Guiana in their daily practice, but also practitioners taking care of people returning from French Guiana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïc Epelboin
- Unité des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- Centre d'investigation clinique Guyane (Inserm CIC 1424), Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Philippe Abboud
- Unité des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Karim Abdelmoumen
- Département des maladies infectieuses, Centre hospitalier de Mayotte, Mamoudzou, Mayotte
| | - Frédégonde About
- Unité des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Antoine Adenis
- Centre d'investigation clinique Guyane (Inserm CIC 1424), Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Théo Blaise
- Centre d'investigation clinique Guyane (Inserm CIC 1424), Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Romain Blaizot
- Unité carcérale de soins ambulatoires, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Timothée Bonifay
- Unité carcérale de soins ambulatoires, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | | | - Mathilde Boutrou
- Unité des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- Centre d'investigation clinique Guyane (Inserm CIC 1424), Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- Département des maladies infectieuses, Centre hospitalier de Mayotte, Mamoudzou, Mayotte
- Unité carcérale de soins ambulatoires, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- Service de dermatologie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, Centre hospitalier de l'ouest guyanais, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, Guyane
- Laboratoire de biologie médicale, Centre hospitalier de l'ouest guyanais, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, Guyane
- Agence régionale de santé de Guyane, Cayenne, Guyane
- Santé publique France, Cayenne, Guyane
- Service de neurologie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- TBIP (Tropical Biome and ImmunoPhysiopathology), Université de Guyane, Cayenne, Guyane
- Laboratoire hospitalo-universitaire de parasitologie et mycologie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée-Rosemon, Cayenne, Guyane
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 et Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
- Service de pédiatrie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- Laboratoire de virologie, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane
- Service de cardiologie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- Service d'accueil des urgences et SAMU, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- Pôle des Centres délocalisés de prévention et de soins, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- Service de réanimation, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- Service de médecine, Centre hospitalier de Kourou, Kourou, Guyane
- Laboratoire des interactions virus-hôtes, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Cayenne, Guyane
- Croix-Rouge française de Guyane, Cayenne, Guyane
- Laboratoire Écologie, évolution, interactions des systèmes amazoniens (LEEISA), CNRS, Université de Guyane, IFREMER, Cayenne, Guyane
- COREVIH (Comité de coordination de la lutte contre les infections sexuellement transmissibles et le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine), Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- Service d'endocrinologie-diabétologie et maladies métaboliques, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- Service de médecine, Centre hospitalier de l'ouest guyanais, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, Guyane
- Direction interarmées du service de santé (DIASS)
- Laboratoire Eurofins Guyane, site de Kourou, Centre hospitalier de Kourou, Guyane
- Service de radiologie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Gabriel Carles
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, Centre hospitalier de l'ouest guyanais, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, Guyane
| | | | - Jean-François Carod
- Laboratoire de biologie médicale, Centre hospitalier de l'ouest guyanais, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, Guyane
| | | | - Pierre Couppié
- Service de dermatologie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Bertrand De Toffol
- Centre d'investigation clinique Guyane (Inserm CIC 1424), Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- Service de neurologie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - François Delon
- Laboratoire Eurofins Guyane, site de Kourou, Centre hospitalier de Kourou, Guyane
| | - Magalie Demar
- TBIP (Tropical Biome and ImmunoPhysiopathology), Université de Guyane, Cayenne, Guyane
- Laboratoire hospitalo-universitaire de parasitologie et mycologie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée-Rosemon, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Justin Destoop
- Service de dermatologie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Maylis Douine
- Centre d'investigation clinique Guyane (Inserm CIC 1424), Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Jean-Pierre Droz
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 et Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Narcisse Elenga
- Service de pédiatrie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | | | - Yves-Kénol Franck
- Service de cardiologie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Alexis Fremery
- Service d'accueil des urgences et SAMU, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Mélanie Gaillet
- Pôle des Centres délocalisés de prévention et de soins, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Hatem Kallel
- Service de réanimation, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | | | - Anne Lavergne
- Laboratoire des interactions virus-hôtes, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Paul Le Turnier
- Unité des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Lucas Maisonobe
- Unité des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Céline Michaud
- Pôle des Centres délocalisés de prévention et de soins, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Rémi Mutricy
- Service d'accueil des urgences et SAMU, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Mathieu Nacher
- Centre d'investigation clinique Guyane (Inserm CIC 1424), Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | | | | | - Guillaume Odonne
- Laboratoire Écologie, évolution, interactions des systèmes amazoniens (LEEISA), CNRS, Université de Guyane, IFREMER, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Lindsay Osei
- Service de pédiatrie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Jean Pujo
- Service d'accueil des urgences et SAMU, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Sébastien Rabier
- Centre d'investigation clinique Guyane (Inserm CIC 1424), Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- COREVIH (Comité de coordination de la lutte contre les infections sexuellement transmissibles et le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine), Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | | | - Cyril Rousseau
- Santé publique France, Cayenne, Guyane
- Pôle des Centres délocalisés de prévention et de soins, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Dominique Rousset
- Laboratoire hospitalo-universitaire de parasitologie et mycologie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée-Rosemon, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Nadia Sabbah
- Service d'endocrinologie-diabétologie et maladies métaboliques, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Vincent Sainte-Rose
- Laboratoire hospitalo-universitaire de parasitologie et mycologie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée-Rosemon, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Roxane Schaub
- Centre d'investigation clinique Guyane (Inserm CIC 1424), Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Karamba Sylla
- Service de médecine, Centre hospitalier de l'ouest guyanais, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, Guyane
| | - Marc-Alexandre Tareau
- Centre d'investigation clinique Guyane (Inserm CIC 1424), Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- Laboratoire Écologie, évolution, interactions des systèmes amazoniens (LEEISA), CNRS, Université de Guyane, IFREMER, Cayenne, Guyane
| | | | - Camille Thorey
- Service de médecine, Centre hospitalier de l'ouest guyanais, Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, Guyane
| | - Véronique Vialette
- Laboratoire Eurofins Guyane, site de Kourou, Centre hospitalier de Kourou, Guyane
| | - Gaëlle Walter
- Unité des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Magaly Zappa
- Service de radiologie, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Félix Djossou
- Unité des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
| | - Nicolas Vignier
- Centre d'investigation clinique Guyane (Inserm CIC 1424), Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
- COREVIH (Comité de coordination de la lutte contre les infections sexuellement transmissibles et le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine), Centre hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, Guyane
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20
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Cárdenas-Robledo S, González-Caicedo P, Carvajal-Parra MS, Guío-Sánchez CM, López-Reyes L. No seasonality in the risk of multiple sclerosis in an equatorial country: A case-control ecological study. Mult Scler 2023; 29:343-351. [PMID: 36250508 DOI: 10.1177/13524585221130020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis risk has been shown to have seasonal variations that are more pronounced in higher latitudes. However, this phenomenon has not been adequately studied near the Equator. OBJECTIVE To explore the risk of multiple sclerosis associated with month, season of birth, and sunlight exposure variables in Colombia. METHODS In this case-control study, 668 multiple sclerosis cases were matched to 2672 controls by sex and age. Association of multiple sclerosis with each month/season of birth and sunlight exposure variables was estimated with multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression and ecological regression models, respectively. Seasonality in the births of multiple sclerosis was assessed with a non-parametric seasonality test. RESULTS We found a higher probability of multiple sclerosis in September (0.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.21-0.31) and lower in March (0.15; 95% CI = 0.10-0.18), which turned non-significant after a multiple comparisons test. Sunlight exposure variables had no significant effect on the risk of MS, and the tests of seasonality in the births of MS did not show significant results. CONCLUSION Our results show no seasonality in the risk of multiple sclerosis near the Equator, supporting the hypothesis that this phenomenon is latitude dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simón Cárdenas-Robledo
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple (CEMHUN), Deparatmento de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia; Unidad de Neurología, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paula González-Caicedo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Clínicas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia/Hospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Claudia Marcela Guío-Sánchez
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple (CEMHUN), Deparatmento de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lorena López-Reyes
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple (CEMHUN), Deparatmento de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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21
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Kelly ME, Gharpure R, Shivji S, Matonya M, Moshi S, Mwafulango A, Mwalongo V, Mghamba J, Simba A, Balajee SA, Gatei W, Mponela M, Saguti G, Whistler T, Moremi N, Mmbaga V. Etiologies of influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infections in Tanzania, 2017-2019. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0000906. [PMID: 36962965 PMCID: PMC10021583 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
In 2016, Tanzania expanded sentinel surveillance for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) to include testing for non-influenza respiratory viruses (NIRVs) and additional respiratory pathogens at 9 sentinel sites. During 2017-2019, respiratory specimens from 2730 cases underwent expanded testing: 2475 specimens (90.7%) were tested using a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-developed assay covering 7 NIRVs (respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], rhinovirus, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus 1, 2, and 3) and influenza A and B viruses. Additionally, 255 specimens (9.3%) were tested using the Fast-Track Diagnostics Respiratory Pathogens 33 (FTD-33) kit which covered the mentioned viruses and additional viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. Influenza viruses were identified in 7.5% of all specimens; however, use of the CDC assay and FTD-33 kit increased the number of specimens with a pathogen identified to 61.8% and 91.5%, respectively. Among the 9 common viruses between the CDC assay and FTD-33 kit, the most identified pathogens were RSV (22.9%), rhinovirus (21.8%), and adenovirus (14.0%); multi-pathogen co-detections were common. Odds of hospitalization (SARI vs. ILI) varied by sex, age, geographic zone, year of diagnosis, and pathogen identified; hospitalized illnesses were most common among children under the age of 5 years. The greatest number of specimens were submitted for testing during December-April, coinciding with rainy seasons in Tanzania, and several viral pathogens demonstrated seasonal variation (RSV, human metapneumovirus, influenza A and B, and parainfluenza viruses). This study demonstrates that expanding an existing influenza platform to include additional respiratory pathogens can provide valuable insight into the etiology, incidence, severity, and geographic/temporal patterns of respiratory illness. Continued respiratory surveillance in Tanzania, and globally, can provide valuable data, particularly in the context of emerging respiratory pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, and guide public health interventions to reduce the burden of respiratory illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Radhika Gharpure
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sabrina Shivji
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Azma Simba
- Ministry of Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - S. Arunmozhi Balajee
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Wangeci Gatei
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Marcelina Mponela
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Grace Saguti
- World Health Organization, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Toni Whistler
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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22
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Asante IA, Fox AT, Behene E, Awuku-Larbi Y, Kotey EN, Nyarko S, Obeng RA, Arjarquah A, Mawuli G, Magnusen V, Attram NP, Nimo-Paintsil S, Asiedu-Bekoe F, Laryea DO, Bangdome Ofori O, Owusu Nyarko E, Lartei Mingle D, Asiedu W, Letizia A, Sanders T, Ampofo WK. Epidemiology of influenza in Ghana, 2011 to 2019. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001104. [PMID: 36962878 PMCID: PMC10021352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Influenza virus is an important contributor to acute respiratory illnesses and is estimated to cause up to 650,000 respiratory deaths each year. Ghana recorded influenza viruses as far back as 1918 when the Spanish influenza pandemic led to the death of >100,000 people in a population of 4 million at the time. An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) among poultry in Ghana in 2007, led to the establishment of virological surveillance for influenza-like illness (ILI) by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR). This surveillance system, supported by the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit-No. 3 (NAMRU-3) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), monitors circulating influenza strains and activity to better understand the epidemiology of influenza in Ghana. We present here the results of this surveillance system from 2011 to 2019. As part of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system of the GHS under the Ministry of Health (MOH), oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from patients who met a modified World Health Organization (WHO) case definition for ILI or severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) through a sentinel surveillance system in the country. Samples were transported to the National Influenza Centre (NIC) at the NMIMR and tested for influenza virus using protocols defined by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Selected isolates were sent to the WHO collaborating centre in the United Kingdom for further antigenic characterization. From 2011 to 2019, the NIC tested a total of 21,747 ILI samples and 3,429 SARI samples. Influenza positivity rates were highest in the 5-14 year old group for both ILI (20.8%) and SARI (23.8%). Compared to females, more males were seen at the health facilities for ILI and SARI symptoms with a statistically significant difference in influenza positive ILI (15% vs 13.2%, p <0.001). In terms of absolute numbers, more cases were seen at the health centres during the wet seasons (April to October) compared to the dry seasons (November to March) in Ghana. This study presents 9 years of surveillance data from outpatient and inpatient setting on influenza activity as well as the influenza A subtypes and B lineages that drive the activity. This presents useful information for influenza vaccine selection and administration. Ghana's unique influenza activity patterns also present a challenge in predicting when an outbreak could occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Asantewaa Asante
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anne T. Fox
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit-No. 3, Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eric Behene
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit-No. 3, Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Awuku-Larbi
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Erasmus Nikoi Kotey
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Stephen Nyarko
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Richard Asomadu Obeng
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Augustina Arjarquah
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gifty Mawuli
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Vanessa Magnusen
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Edward Owusu Nyarko
- Public Health Division, 37 Military Hospital, Ghana Armed Forces, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - William Asiedu
- Public Health Division, 37 Military Hospital, Ghana Armed Forces, Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrew Letizia
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit-No. 3, Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Terrel Sanders
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit-No. 3, Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - William Kwabena Ampofo
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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23
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Barraza MFO, Fasce RA, Nogareda F, Marcenac P, Mallegas NV, Alister PB, Loayza S, Chard AN, Arriola CS, Couto P, Calavaro CG, Rodriguez A, Wentworth DE, Cuadrado C, Azziz-Baumgartner E. Influenza incidence and vaccine effectiveness during the Southern Hemisphere Influenza season-Chile, 2022. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:3170-3174. [PMID: 36458704 PMCID: PMC9834235 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rodrigo A. Fasce
- Virology Department, Public Health Institute of Chile, Santiago, Chile,Correspondence Rodrigo A. Fasce, Virology Department, Public Health Institute of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | | | - Perrine Marcenac
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Sergio Loayza
- Pan American Health Organization, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Anna N. Chard
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Carmen Sofia Arriola
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Paula Couto
- Pan American Health Organization, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Angel Rodriguez
- Pan American Health Organization, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - David E. Wentworth
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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24
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Hospital admissions with influenza and impact of age and comorbidities on severe clinical outcomes in Brazil and Mexico. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273837. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
The risk of hospitalization or death after influenza infection is higher at the extremes of age and in individuals with comorbidities. We estimated the number of hospitalizations with influenza and characterized the cumulative risk of comorbidities and age on severe outcomes in Mexico and Brazil.
Methods
We used national hospital discharge data from Brazil (SIH/SUS) from 2010–2018 and Mexico (SAEH) from 2010–2017 to estimate the number of influenza admissions using ICD-10 discharge codes, stratified by age (0–4, 5–17, 18–49, 50–64, and ≥65 years). Duration of hospital stay, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and in-hospital case fatality rates (CFRs) defined the severe outcomes. Rates were compared between patients with or without pre-specified comorbidities and by age.
Results
A total of 327,572 admissions with influenza were recorded in Brazil and 20,613 in Mexico, with peaks period most years. In Brazil, the median hospital stay duration was 3.0 days (interquartile range, 2.0–5.0), ICU admission rate was 3.3% (95% CI, 3.2–3.3%), and in-hospital CFR was 4.6% (95% CI, 4.5–4.7). In Mexico, the median duration of stay was 5.0 days (interquartile range, 3.0–7.0), ICU admission rate was 1.8% (95% CI, 1.6–2.0%), and in-hospital CFR was 6.9% (95% CI, 6.5–7.2). In Brazil, ICU admission and in-hospital CFR were higher in adults aged ≥50 years and increased in the presence of comorbidities, especially cardiovascular disease. In Mexico, comorbidities increased the risk of ICU admission by 1.9 (95% CI, 1.0–3.5) and in-hospital CFR by 13.9 (95% CI, 8.4–22.9) in children 0–4 years.
Conclusion
The SIH/SUS and SAEH databases can be used to estimate hospital admissions with influenza, and the disease severity. Age and comorbidities, especially cardiovascular disease, are cumulatively associated with more severe outcomes, with differences between countries. This association should be further analyzed in prospective surveillance studies designed to support influenza vaccination strategy decisions.
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Belizaire MRD, N’gattia AK, Wassonguema B, Simaleko MM, Nakoune E, Rafaï C, Lô B, Bolumar F. Circulation and seasonality of influenza viruses in different transmission zones in Africa. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:820. [DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07727-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Influenza is responsible for more than 5 million severe cases and 290,000 to 650,000 deaths every year worldwide. Developing countries account for 99% of influenza deaths in children under 5 years of age. This paper aimed to determine the dynamics of influenza viruses in African transmission areas to identify regional seasonality for appropriate decision-making and the development of regional preparedness and response strategies.
Methods
We used data from the WHO FluMart website collected by National Influenza Centers for seven transmission periods (2013–2019). We calculated weekly proportions of positive influenza cases and determined transmission trends in African countries to determine the seasonality.
Results
From 2013 to 2019, influenza A(H1N1)pdm2009, A(H3N2), and A(H5N1) viruses, as well as influenza B Victoria and Yamagata lineages, circulated in African regions. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm2009 and A(H3N2) highly circulated in northern and southern Africa regions. Influenza activity followed annual and regional variations. In the tropical zone, from eastern to western via the middle regions, influenza activities were marked by the predominance of influenza A subtypes despite the circulation of B lineages. One season was identified for both the southern and northern regions of Africa. In the eastern zone, four influenza seasons were differentiated, and three were differentiated in the western zone.
Conclusion
Circulation dynamics determined five intense influenza activity zones in Africa. In the tropics, influenza virus circulation waves move from the east to the west, while alternative seasons have been identified in northern and southern temperate zones. Health authorities from countries with the same transmission zone, even in the absence of local data based on an established surveillance system, should implement concerted preparedness and control activities, such as vaccination.
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Olivares Barraza MF, Fasce RA, Nogareda F, Marcenac P, Vergara Mallegas N, Bustos Alister P, Loayza S, Chard AN, Arriola CS, Couto P, García Calavaro C, Rodriguez A, Wentworth DE, Cuadrado C, Azziz-Baumgartner E. Influenza Incidence and Vaccine Effectiveness During the Southern Hemisphere Influenza Season - Chile, 2022. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2022; 71:1353-1358. [PMID: 36301733 PMCID: PMC9620570 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7143a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected influenza virus transmission, with historically low activity, atypical timing, or altered duration of influenza seasons during 2020-22 (1,2). Community mitigation measures implemented since 2020, including physical distancing and face mask use, have, in part, been credited for low influenza detections globally during the pandemic, compared with those during prepandemic seasons (1). Reduced population exposure to natural influenza infections during 2020-21 and relaxed community mitigation measures after introduction of COVID-19 vaccines could increase the possibility of severe influenza epidemics. Partners in Chile and the United States assessed Southern Hemisphere influenza activity and estimated age-group-specific rates of influenza-attributable hospitalizations and vaccine effectiveness (VE) in Chile in 2022. Chile's most recent influenza season began in January 2022, which was earlier than during prepandemic seasons and was associated predominantly with influenza A(H3N2) virus, clade 3C.2a1b.2a.2. The cumulative incidence of influenza-attributable pneumonia and influenza (P&I) hospitalizations was 5.1 per 100,000 person-years during 2022, which was higher than that during 2020-21 but lower than incidence during the 2017-19 influenza seasons. Adjusted VE against influenza A(H3N2)-associated hospitalization was 49%. These findings indicate that influenza activity continues to be disrupted after emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in 2020. Northern Hemisphere countries might benefit from preparing for an atypical influenza season, which could include early influenza activity with potentially severe disease during the 2022-23 season, especially in the absence of prevention measures, including vaccination. Health authorities should encourage all eligible persons to seek influenza vaccination and take precautions to reduce transmission of influenza (e.g., avoiding close contact with persons who are ill).
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Characterization of influenza infection in a high-income urban setting in Nairobi, Kenya. Trop Med Health 2022; 50:69. [PMID: 36114561 PMCID: PMC9479273 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-022-00463-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Influenza viruses are an important cause of respiratory infections across all age groups. Information on occurrence and magnitude of influenza virus infections in different populations in Kenya however remains scanty, compromising estimation of influenza disease burden. This study examined influenza infection in an urban high-income setting in Nairobi to establish its prevalence and activity of influenza viruses, and evaluated diagnostic performance of a rapid influenza diagnostic test. Methodology A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in six private health facilities located within high-income residential areas in Nairobi from January 2019 to July 2020. Patients of all ages presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) were recruited into the study. Detection of influenza virus was conducted using rapid diagnosis and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and tests of association. Sensitivity, specificity and area under receiver operating characteristics curve was calculated to establish diagnostic accuracy of the rapid diagnosis test. Results The study recruited 125 participants with signs and symptoms of ILI, of whom 21 (16.8%) were positive for influenza viruses. Of all the influenza-positive cases, 17 (81.0%) were influenza type A of which 70.6% were pandemic H1N1 (A/H1N1 2009). Highest detection was observed among children aged 5–10 years. Influenza virus mostly circulated during the second half of the year, and fever, general fatigue and muscular and joint pain were significantly observed among participants with influenza virus. Sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic test was 95% (95% confidence interval 75.1–99.9) and 100% (95% confidence interval 96.5–100.0), respectively. Conclusions Findings of this study shows continuous but variable activity of influenza virus throughout the year in this population, with substantial disease burden. The findings highlight the need for continuous epidemiologic surveillance including genetic surveillance to monitor activity and generate data to inform vaccine introduction or development, and other interventions.
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Liao Y, Xue S, Xie Y, Zhang Y, Wang D, Zhao T, Du W, Chen T, Miao H, Qin Y, Zheng J, Yang X, Peng Z, Yu J. Characterization of influenza seasonality in China, 2010-2018: Implications for seasonal influenza vaccination timing. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2022; 16:1161-1171. [PMID: 36062624 PMCID: PMC9530570 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Optimizing the timing of influenza vaccination based on regional temporal seasonal influenza illness patterns may make seasonal influenza vaccination more effective in China. Methods We obtained provincial weekly influenza surveillance data for 30 of 31 provinces in mainland China from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention for the years 2010–2018. Influenza epidemiological regions were constructed by clustering analysis. For each region, we calculated onset date, end date, and duration of seasonal influenza epidemics by the modified mean threshold method. To help identify initial vaccination target populations, we acquired weekly influenza surveillance data for four age groups (0–4, 5–18, 19–59, and ≥60 years) in each region and in 171 cities of wide‐ranging size. We used linear regression analyses to explore the association of epidemic onset dates by age group, city, and epidemiological region and provide evidence for initial target populations for seasonal influenza vaccination. Results We determined that northern, mid, southwestern, southeast regions of mainland China have distinct seasonal influenza epidemic patterns. We found significant regional, temporal, and spatial heterogeneity of seasonal influenza epidemics. There were significant differences by age group and city size in the interval between epidemic onset in the city or age group and regional spread (epidemic lead time), with longer epidemic lead times for 5‐ to 18‐year‐old children and larger cities. Conclusions Knowledge of influenza epidemic characteristics may help optimize local influenza vaccination timing and identify initial target groups for seasonal influenza vaccination in mainland China. Similar analyses may help inform seasonal influenza vaccination strategies in other regions and countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilan Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiran Xie
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Dayan Wang
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Du
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Miao
- College of Art and Science, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ying Qin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jiandong Zheng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaokun Yang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhibin Peng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxing Yu
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Rafeek RAM, Divarathna MVM, Morel AJ, Noordeen F. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of influenza virus infection in hospitalized children with acute respiratory infections in Sri Lanka. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272415. [PMID: 36054097 PMCID: PMC9439189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses (Inf-V) are an important cause of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children. This study was undertaken to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Inf-V infections in a sample of hospitalized children with ARI. Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) from 500 children between 1 month to 5 years old with symptoms of ARI were collected at the Teaching Hospital Kegalle Sri Lanka From May 2016 to June 2018, NPAs were tested for influenza A (Inf-A) and B (Inf-B) viruses, human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), human parainfluenza virus (hPIV) 1–3 using an immunofluorescence assay. The Inf-V were then subtyped using a multiplex RT-PCR. Inf-V were detected in 10.75% (54/502) of the hospitalized children with ARI and in that 5.57% (28/502) were positive for Inf-A and 5.17% (26/502) were positive for Inf-B. Of the 54 Inf-V positive children, 33 were aged between 6 and 20 months. Of the 28 children infected with Inf-A, 15 had uncharacterized lower respiratory infection, 7 had bronchopneumonia and 6 had bronchiolitis. Of the 26 children infected with Inf-B, 11 had uncharacterized lower respiratory infection, 10 had bronchiolitis, and 4 had bronchopneumonia. Inf-B circulated throughout the year with a few peaks, one in June and then in August followed by November to December in 2016 and one in April 2017 and January 2018. Inf-A circulated throughout the year with a major peak in March to April 2017 and July 2018. ARI was more common in boys compared to girls. Majority of the children infected with Inf-V were diagnosed with uncharacterized lower respiratory infection and mild to moderate bronchiolitis. Inf-V infections were prevalent throughout the year in the study area of Sri Lanka with variations in the type of the circulating virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukshan A. M. Rafeek
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Maduja V. M. Divarathna
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Faseeha Noordeen
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- * E-mail: ,
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Influenza virus and its subtypes circulating during 2018-2019: A hospital-based study from Assam. Indian J Med Microbiol 2022; 40:525-530. [PMID: 36002356 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Influenza virus can cause serious respiratory illness sometimes resulting in epidemics and pandemics associated with significant morbidity and mortality across the globe. Hence, continuous surveillance of the activity of the influenza virus and its subtypes is necessary to help the policy makers to take effective and appropriate decisions regarding its control. The study aimed to determine distribution of influenza viruses in Assam of north-east India having subtropical climate that may lead to viral subtype divergence. METHODS Clinically suspected ninety cases with Influenza like illness (ILI) were included, irrespective of age and sex during the period 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2019. Aseptically collected Nasopharyngeal swabs in viral transport media (VTM) were tested by conventional Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT PCR) for detection of Influenza A and Influenza B viruses which were further processed for detection of subtypes such as H1N1 pdm09, H3N2 and Influenza B (Yamagata and Victoria lineage). Normally distributed continuous variables were summarised by mean and standard deviation. All categorical variables were summarised as percentages. RESULTS Influenza activity was seen in 42.2% of ILI cases with male predominance (57.9%). Influenza A was the predominant type (84.2%). Among the subtypes, A(H1N1) pdm09 was predominant (76.3%) followed by Influenza B (Victoria lineages) (15.8%) and AH3N2 (7.9%). Significant difference was observed between different subtypes with regard to age distribution only. Influenza activity in Assam showed two seasonal peaks; the primary one from May to July and the secondary from November to February. CONCLUSION The study described the distribution of different Influenza viruses and its subtypes in Assam along with their seasonal activities. These findings will help to formulate the policy for its prevention and control in Assam as well as to monitor the efficacy of the current influenza vaccine.
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Berry I, Rahman M, Flora MS, Shirin T, Alamgir ASM, Khan MH, Anwar R, Lisa M, Chowdhury F, Islam MA, Osmani MG, Dunkle S, Brum E, Greer AL, Morris SK, Mangtani P, Fisman DN. Seasonality of influenza and coseasonality with avian influenza in Bangladesh, 2010-19: a retrospective, time-series analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10:e1150-e1158. [PMID: 35709796 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00212-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seasonal and avian influenza viruses circulate among human and poultry populations in Bangladesh. However, the epidemiology of influenza is not well defined in this setting. We aimed to characterise influenza seasonality, examine regional heterogeneity in transmission, and evaluate coseasonality between circulating influenza viruses in Bangladesh. METHODS In this retrospective, time-series study, we used data collected between January, 2010, and December, 2019, from 32 hospital-based influenza surveillance sites across Bangladesh. We estimated influenza peak timing and intensity in ten regions using negative binomial harmonic regression models, and applied meta-analytic methods to determine whether seasonality differed across regions. Using live bird market surveillance data in Dhaka, Bangladesh, we estimated avian influenza seasonality and examined coseasonality between human and avian influenza viruses. FINDINGS Over the 10-year study period, we included 8790 human influenza cases and identified a distinct influenza season, with an annual peak in June to July each year (peak calendar week 27·6, 95% CI 26·7-28·6). Epidemic timing varied by region (I2=93·9%; p<0·0001), with metropolitan regions peaking earlier and epidemic spread following a spatial diffusion pattern based on geographical proximity. Comparatively, avian influenza displayed weak seasonality, with moderate year-round transmission and a small peak in April (peak calendar week 14·9, 95% CI 13·2-17·0), which was out of phase with influenza peaks in humans. INTERPRETATION In Bangladesh, influenza prevention and control activities could be timed with annual seasonality, and regional heterogeneity should be considered in health resource planning. Year-round avian influenza transmission poses a risk for viral spillover, and targeted efforts will be crucial for mitigating potential reassortment and future pandemic threats. FUNDING Canadian Institute of Health Research Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha Berry
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Meerjady Sabrina Flora
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tahmina Shirin
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - A S M Alamgir
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Rubaid Anwar
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mona Lisa
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fahmida Chowdhury
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ariful Islam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Muzzafar G Osmani
- Department of Livestock Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Stacie Dunkle
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Eric Brum
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Amy L Greer
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Shaun K Morris
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Global Child Health, and Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Punam Mangtani
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David N Fisman
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Saha S, Davis WW. The need for a One Health approach for influenza surveillance. Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10:e1078-e1079. [PMID: 35709797 PMCID: PMC11089652 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00240-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siddhartha Saha
- Influenza Division, CDC India Office, US Embassy, New Delhi-110021, India.
| | - William W Davis
- Influenza Division, CDC India Office, US Embassy, New Delhi-110021, India
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Lokida D, Farida H, Triasih R, Mardian Y, Kosasih H, Naysilla AM, Budiman A, Hayuningsih C, Anam MS, Wastoro D, Mujahidah M, Dipayana S, Setyati A, Aman AT, Lukman N, Karyana M, Kline A, Neal A, Lau CY, Lane C. Epidemiology of community-acquired pneumonia among hospitalised children in Indonesia: a multicentre, prospective study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057957. [PMID: 35728910 PMCID: PMC9214401 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify aetiologies of childhood community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) based on a comprehensive diagnostic approach. DESIGN 'Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research-Pneumonia in Paediatrics (PEER-PePPeS)' study was an observational prospective cohort study conducted from July 2017 to September 2019. SETTING Government referral teaching hospitals and satellite sites in three cities in Indonesia: Semarang, Yogyakarta and Tangerang. PARTICIPANTS Hospitalised children aged 2-59 months who met the criteria for pneumonia were eligible. Children were excluded if they had been hospitalised for >24 hours; had malignancy or history of malignancy; a history of long-term (>2 months) steroid therapy, or conditions that might interfere with compliance with study procedures. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Causative bacterial, viral or mixed pathogen(s) for pneumonia were determined using microbiological, molecular and serological tests from routinely collected specimens (blood, sputum and nasopharyngeal swabs). We applied a previously published algorithm (PEER-PePPeS rules) to determine the causative pathogen(s). RESULTS 188 subjects were enrolled. Based on our algorithm, 48 (25.5%) had a bacterial infection, 31 (16.5%) had a viral infection, 76 (40.4%) had mixed bacterial and viral infections, and 33 (17.6%) were unable to be classified. The five most common causative pathogens identified were Haemophilus influenzae non-type B (N=73, 38.8%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (N=51, 27.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (N=43, 22.9%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (N=29, 15.4%) and Influenza virus (N=25, 13.3%). RSV and influenza virus diagnoses were highly associated with Indonesia's rainy season (November-March). The PCR assays on induced sputum (IS) specimens captured most of the pathogens identified in this study. CONCLUSIONS Our study found that H. influenzae non-type B and RSV were the most frequently identified pathogens causing hospitalised CAP among Indonesian children aged 2-59 months old. Our study also highlights the importance of PCR for diagnosis and by extension, appropriate use of antimicrobials. TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03366454.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dewi Lokida
- Tangerang District General Hospital, Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia
| | - Helmia Farida
- Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Dr Kariadi, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
| | - Rina Triasih
- Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Dr Sardjito, Sleman, DIY, Indonesia
| | - Yan Mardian
- Indonesia Research Partnership on Infectious Disease, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Herman Kosasih
- Indonesia Research Partnership on Infectious Disease, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Arif Budiman
- Tangerang District General Hospital, Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia
| | | | - Moh Syarofil Anam
- Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Dr Kariadi, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
| | - Dwi Wastoro
- Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Dr Kariadi, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
| | | | - Setya Dipayana
- Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Dr Kariadi, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
| | - Amalia Setyati
- Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Dr Sardjito, Sleman, DIY, Indonesia
| | | | - Nurhayati Lukman
- Indonesia Research Partnership on Infectious Disease, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Karyana
- National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ahnika Kline
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Aaron Neal
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Clifford Lane
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Carascal MB, Pavon RDN, Rivera WL. Recent Progress in Recombinant Influenza Vaccine Development Toward Heterosubtypic Immune Response. Front Immunol 2022; 13:878943. [PMID: 35663997 PMCID: PMC9162156 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.878943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Flu, a viral infection caused by the influenza virus, is still a global public health concern with potential to cause seasonal epidemics and pandemics. Vaccination is considered the most effective protective strategy against the infection. However, given the high plasticity of the virus and the suboptimal immunogenicity of existing influenza vaccines, scientists are moving toward the development of universal vaccines. An important property of universal vaccines is their ability to induce heterosubtypic immunity, i.e., a wide immune response coverage toward different influenza subtypes. With the increasing number of studies and mounting evidence on the safety and efficacy of recombinant influenza vaccines (RIVs), they have been proposed as promising platforms for the development of universal vaccines. This review highlights the current progress and advances in the development of RIVs in the context of heterosubtypic immunity induction toward universal vaccine production. In particular, this review discussed existing knowledge on influenza and vaccine development, current hemagglutinin-based RIVs in the market and in the pipeline, other potential vaccine targets for RIVs (neuraminidase, matrix 1 and 2, nucleoprotein, polymerase acidic, and basic 1 and 2 antigens), and deantigenization process. This review also provided discussion points and future perspectives in looking at RIVs as potential universal vaccine candidates for influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark B Carascal
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.,Clinical and Translational Research Institute, The Medical City, Pasig City, Philippines
| | - Rance Derrick N Pavon
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Windell L Rivera
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
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McCarron M, Kondor R, Zureick K, Griffin C, Fuster C, Hammond A, Lievre M, Vandemaele K, Bresee J, Xu X, Dugan VG, Weatherspoon V, Williams T, Vance A, Fry AM, Samaan M, Fitzner J, Zhang W, Moen A, Wentworth DE, Azziz-Baumgartner E. United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention support for influenza surveillance, 2013-2021. Bull World Health Organ 2022; 100:366-374. [PMID: 35694628 PMCID: PMC9178423 DOI: 10.2471/blt.21.287253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the stability of improvements in global respiratory virus surveillance in countries supported by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after reductions in CDC funding and with the stress of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods We assessed whether national influenza surveillance systems of CDC-funded countries: (i) continued to analyse as many specimens between 2013 and 2021; (ii) participated in activities of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System; (iii) tested enough specimens to detect rare events or signals of unusual activity; and (iv) demonstrated stability before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used CDC budget records and data from the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. Findings While CDC reduced per-country influenza funding by about 75% over 10 years, the number of specimens tested annually remained stable (mean 2261). Reporting varied substantially by country and transmission zone. Countries funded by CDC accounted for 71% (range 61-75%) of specimens included in WHO consultations on the composition of influenza virus vaccines. In 2019, only eight of the 17 transmission zones sent enough specimens to WHO collaborating centres before the vaccine composition meeting to reliably identify antigenic variants. Conclusion Great progress has been made in the global understanding of influenza trends and seasonality. To optimize surveillance to identify atypical influenza viruses, and to integrate molecular testing, sequencing and reporting of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 into existing systems, funding must continue to support these efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret McCarron
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS A32, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Kondor
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS A32, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States of America
| | - Kinda Zureick
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS A32, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States of America
| | - Chelsey Griffin
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS A32, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States of America
| | - Christian Fuster
- Global Influenza Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aspen Hammond
- Global Influenza Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maja Lievre
- Global Influenza Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Joseph Bresee
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS A32, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States of America
| | - Xiyan Xu
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS A32, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States of America
| | - Vivien G Dugan
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS A32, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States of America
| | - Vashonia Weatherspoon
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS A32, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States of America
| | - Thelma Williams
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS A32, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States of America
| | - April Vance
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS A32, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States of America
| | - Alicia M Fry
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS A32, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States of America
| | - Magdi Samaan
- Global Influenza Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julia Fitzner
- Global Influenza Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- Global Influenza Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ann Moen
- Global Influenza Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David E Wentworth
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS A32, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States of America
| | - Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE MS A32, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States of America
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Gachari MN, Ndegwa L, Emukule GO, Kirui L, Kalani R, Juma B, Mayieka L, Kinuthia P, Widdowson MA, Chaves SS. Severe acute respiratory illness surveillance for influenza in Kenya: Patient characteristics and lessons learnt. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2022; 16:740-748. [PMID: 35289078 PMCID: PMC9111565 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We describe the epidemiology and clinical features of Kenyan patients hospitalized with laboratory‐confirmed influenza compared with those testing negative and discuss the potential contribution of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) surveillance in monitoring a broader range of respiratory pathogens. Methods We described demographic and clinical characteristics of SARI cases among children (<18 years) and adults, separately. We compared disease severity (clinical features and treatment) of hospitalized influenza positive versus negative cases and explored independent predictors of death among SARI cases using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results From January 2014 to December 2018, 11,166 persons were hospitalized with SARI and overall positivity for influenza was ~10%. There were 10,742 (96%) children (<18 years)—median age of 1 year, interquartile range (IQR = 6 months, 2 years). Only 424 (4%) of the SARI cases were adults (≥18 years), with median age of 38 years (IQR 28 years, 52 years). There was no difference in disease severity comparing influenza positive and negative cases among children. Children hospitalized with SARI who had an underlying illness had greater odds of in‐hospital death compared with those without (adjusted odds ratio 2.11 95% CI 1.09–4.07). No further analysis was done among adults due to the small sample size. Conclusion Kenya's sentinel surveillance for SARI mainly captures data on younger children. Hospital‐based platforms designed to monitor influenza viruses and associated disease burden may be adapted and expanded to other respiratory viruses to inform public health interventions. Efforts should be made to capture adults as part of routine respiratory surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryanne N Gachari
- Kenya Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (K-FELTP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Linus Ndegwa
- Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gideon O Emukule
- Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lily Kirui
- Ministry of Health, National Influenza Centre (NIC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rosalia Kalani
- Division of Disease Surveillance and Response, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bonventure Juma
- Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lilian Mayieka
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Kinuthia
- Ministry of Health, National Influenza Centre (NIC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marc-Alain Widdowson
- Division of Global Health Protection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya.,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sandra S Chaves
- Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya.,Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Abstract
Influenza virus infections are common in people of all ages. Epidemics occur in the winter months in temperate locations and at varying times of the year in subtropical and tropical locations. Most influenza virus infections cause mild and self-limiting disease, and around one-half of all infections occur with a fever. Only a small minority of infections lead to serious disease requiring hospitalization. During epidemics, the rates of influenza virus infections are typically highest in school-age children. The clinical severity of infections tends to increase at the extremes of age and with the presence of underlying medical conditions, and impact of epidemics is greatest in these groups. Vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent infections, and in recent years influenza vaccines have become the most frequently used vaccines in the world. Nonpharmaceutical public health measures can also be effective in reducing transmission, allowing suppression or mitigation of influenza epidemics and pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhyun Ryu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35365, South Korea
| | - Benjamin J Cowling
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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38
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Azziz-Baumgartner E, Veguilla V, Calvo A, Franco D, Dominguez R, Rauda R, Armero J, Hall AJ, Pascale JM, Gonzalez R. Incidence of influenza and other respiratory viruses among pregnant women; a multi-country, multiyear cohort. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021; 158:359-367. [PMID: 34767628 PMCID: PMC9543610 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify rates of influenza illness and assess value of influenza vaccination among pregnant women in Panama and El Salvador. METHODS Pregnant women were enrolled and followed each week in a prospective cohort study to identify acute respiratory infections (ARI). Nasopharyngeal swabs obtained from women with febrile ARI were tested by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for influenza and other respiratory viruses. RESULTS We enrolled 2,556 women between October 2014-April 2017. Sixteen percent developed at least one ARI; 59 had two ARI, and five had three ARI for a total of 463 ARI. Women in El Salvador and Panama contributed 297 person-years (py) and 293py, respectively, during influenza circulation. Twenty-one (11%) of 196 sampled women tested positive for influenza. Influenza incidence was 5.0/100py (4.3/100py in Panama and 5.7/100py in El Salvador). Only 13% of women in El Salvador and 43% in Panama had been vaccinated against influenza before influenza epidemics (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS One in six pregnant women developed ARI and more than one in ten ARI were attributable to vaccine-preventable influenza. While women were at risk of influenza, few had vaccinated before each epidemic. Such findings suggest the utility of evaluations to optimize vaccine timing and coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vic Veguilla
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Arlene Calvo
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Danilo Franco
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
| | | | | | | | - Aron J Hall
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Rosalba Gonzalez
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
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Dang TKNS, Rivero Cabrera R, Yeung KHT, van der Putten IM, Nelson EAS. Feasibility of age- and gestation-based routine universal influenza vaccines schedules for children aged 6 months - 2 years and pregnant women. Vaccine 2021; 39:6754-6761. [PMID: 34674893 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.09.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hong Kong's seasonal influenza schedule follows the World Health Organization's northern hemisphere vaccine composition recommendations but with year-round influenza activity there is the potential to implement routine age- and gestation-based schedules utilising both northern and southern hemisphere vaccines for children aged 6 months to 2 years and for pregnant women. This study assessed the potential feasibility of such schedules. METHODS A literature review was conducted and in-depth interviews with vaccine experts, policy makers and nurses were undertaken. RESULTS The following schedules were proposed and assessed for perceived feasibility: 1) a four-dose schedule in the first two years of life requiring an additional unscheduled clinic visit at 7 months; 2) a three-dose schedule excluding the 4-week booster after the first dose; 3) a two-dose schedule for pregnant women involving a dose at the booking visit and a dose with pertussis vaccine at 7 months gestation; and 4) a one-dose schedule at 7 months gestation. CONCLUSIONS Age- and gestation-based routine influenza vaccination schedules are theoretically feasible for both young children and pregnant women. The three-dose paediatric and one-dose obstetric schedules were assessed in interviews with vaccine experts, policy makers and nurses to be most acceptable. Further clinical studies are required to determine whether such schedules are non-inferior to current seasonal-based schedules in terms of vaccine effectiveness and vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- T K N Sandra Dang
- CAPHRI, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Romén Rivero Cabrera
- CAPHRI, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Ingeborg M van der Putten
- CAPHRI, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - E Anthony S Nelson
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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40
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Nichols GL, Gillingham EL, Macintyre HL, Vardoulakis S, Hajat S, Sarran CE, Amankwaah D, Phalkey R. Coronavirus seasonality, respiratory infections and weather. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1101. [PMID: 34702177 PMCID: PMC8547307 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06785-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The survival of coronaviruses are influenced by weather conditions and seasonal coronaviruses are more common in winter months. We examine the seasonality of respiratory infections in England and Wales and the associations between weather parameters and seasonal coronavirus cases. Methods Respiratory virus disease data for England and Wales between 1989 and 2019 was extracted from the Second-Generation Surveillance System (SGSS) database used for routine surveillance. Seasonal coronaviruses from 2012 to 2019 were compared to daily average weather parameters for the period before the patient’s specimen date with a range of lag periods. Results The seasonal distribution of 985,524 viral infections in England and Wales (1989–2019) showed coronavirus infections had a similar seasonal distribution to influenza A and bocavirus, with a winter peak between weeks 2 to 8. Ninety percent of infections occurred where the daily mean ambient temperatures were below 10 °C; where daily average global radiation exceeded 500 kJ/m2/h; where sunshine was less than 5 h per day; or where relative humidity was above 80%. Coronavirus infections were significantly more common where daily average global radiation was under 300 kJ/m2/h (OR 4.3; CI 3.9–4.6; p < 0.001); where average relative humidity was over 84% (OR 1.9; CI 3.9–4.6; p < 0.001); where average air temperature was below 10 °C (OR 6.7; CI 6.1–7.3; p < 0.001) or where sunshine was below 4 h (OR 2.4; CI 2.2–2.6; p < 0.001) when compared to the distribution of weather values for the same time period. Seasonal coronavirus infections in children under 3 years old were more frequent at the start of an annual epidemic than at the end, suggesting that the size of the susceptible child population may be important in the annual cycle. Conclusions The dynamics of seasonal coronaviruses reflect immunological, weather, social and travel drivers of infection. Evidence from studies on different coronaviruses suggest that low temperature and low radiation/sunlight favour survival. This implies a seasonal increase in SARS-CoV-2 may occur in the UK and countries with a similar climate as a result of an increase in the R0 associated with reduced temperatures and solar radiation. Increased measures to reduce transmission will need to be introduced in winter months for COVID-19. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06785-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- G L Nichols
- Climate Change and Health Group, Centre for Radiation Chemicals and Environmental Hazards, UK Health Security Agency (Formerly Public Health England), Chilton, Oxon, OX11 0RQ, UK. .,European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, C/O Knowledge Spa RCHT, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3HD, UK. .,School of Environmental Sciences, UEA, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - E L Gillingham
- Climate Change and Health Group, Centre for Radiation Chemicals and Environmental Hazards, UK Health Security Agency (Formerly Public Health England), Chilton, Oxon, OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - H L Macintyre
- Climate Change and Health Group, Centre for Radiation Chemicals and Environmental Hazards, UK Health Security Agency (Formerly Public Health England), Chilton, Oxon, OX11 0RQ, UK.,School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, UK
| | - S Vardoulakis
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, C/O Knowledge Spa RCHT, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3HD, UK.,National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - S Hajat
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - C E Sarran
- Met Office, Fitzroy Road, Exeter, EX1 3PB, UK.,Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter, Saint Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
| | - D Amankwaah
- Climate Change and Health Group, Centre for Radiation Chemicals and Environmental Hazards, UK Health Security Agency (Formerly Public Health England), Chilton, Oxon, OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - R Phalkey
- Climate Change and Health Group, Centre for Radiation Chemicals and Environmental Hazards, UK Health Security Agency (Formerly Public Health England), Chilton, Oxon, OX11 0RQ, UK.,Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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41
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Owuor DC, de Laurent ZR, Kikwai GK, Mayieka LM, Ochieng M, Müller NF, Otieno NA, Emukule GO, Hunsperger EA, Garten R, Barnes JR, Chaves SS, Nokes DJ, Agoti CN. Characterizing the Countrywide Epidemic Spread of Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Virus in Kenya between 2009 and 2018. Viruses 2021; 13:1956. [PMID: 34696386 PMCID: PMC8539974 DOI: 10.3390/v13101956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatiotemporal patterns of spread of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses on a countrywide scale are unclear in many tropical/subtropical regions mainly because spatiotemporally representative sequence data are lacking. We isolated, sequenced, and analyzed 383 A(H1N1)pdm09 viral genomes from hospitalized patients between 2009 and 2018 from seven locations across Kenya. Using these genomes and contemporaneously sampled global sequences, we characterized the spread of the virus in Kenya over several seasons using phylodynamic methods. The transmission dynamics of A(H1N1)pdm09 virus in Kenya were characterized by (i) multiple virus introductions into Kenya over the study period, although only a few of those introductions instigated local seasonal epidemics that then established local transmission clusters, (ii) persistence of transmission clusters over several epidemic seasons across the country, (iii) seasonal fluctuations in effective reproduction number (Re) associated with lower number of infections and seasonal fluctuations in relative genetic diversity after an initial rapid increase during the early pandemic phase, which broadly corresponded to epidemic peaks in the northern and southern hemispheres, (iv) high virus genetic diversity with greater frequency of seasonal fluctuations in 2009-2011 and 2018 and low virus genetic diversity with relatively weaker seasonal fluctuations in 2012-2017, and (v) virus spread across Kenya. Considerable influenza virus diversity circulated within Kenya, including persistent viral lineages that were unique to the country, which may have been capable of dissemination to other continents through a globally migrating virus population. Further knowledge of the viral lineages that circulate within understudied low-to-middle-income tropical and subtropical regions is required to understand the full diversity and global ecology of influenza viruses in humans and to inform vaccination strategies within these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Collins Owuor
- Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Epidemiology and Demography Department, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi 230-80108, Kenya; (Z.R.d.L.); (D.J.N.); (C.N.A.)
| | - Zaydah R. de Laurent
- Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Epidemiology and Demography Department, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi 230-80108, Kenya; (Z.R.d.L.); (D.J.N.); (C.N.A.)
| | - Gilbert K. Kikwai
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi 54840-00200, Kenya; (G.K.K.); (L.M.M.); (M.O.); (N.A.O.)
| | - Lillian M. Mayieka
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi 54840-00200, Kenya; (G.K.K.); (L.M.M.); (M.O.); (N.A.O.)
| | - Melvin Ochieng
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi 54840-00200, Kenya; (G.K.K.); (L.M.M.); (M.O.); (N.A.O.)
| | - Nicola F. Müller
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Seattle, WA 98109, USA;
| | - Nancy A. Otieno
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi 54840-00200, Kenya; (G.K.K.); (L.M.M.); (M.O.); (N.A.O.)
| | - Gideon O. Emukule
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Influenza Division, Nairobi 606-00621, Kenya; (G.O.E.); (S.S.C.)
| | - Elizabeth A. Hunsperger
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global Health Protection, Nairobi 606-00621, Kenya;
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global Health Protection, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Rebecca Garten
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.G.); (J.R.B.)
| | - John R. Barnes
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.G.); (J.R.B.)
| | - Sandra S. Chaves
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Influenza Division, Nairobi 606-00621, Kenya; (G.O.E.); (S.S.C.)
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (R.G.); (J.R.B.)
| | - D. James Nokes
- Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Epidemiology and Demography Department, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi 230-80108, Kenya; (Z.R.d.L.); (D.J.N.); (C.N.A.)
- School of Life Sciences and Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER), Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Charles N. Agoti
- Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Epidemiology and Demography Department, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi 230-80108, Kenya; (Z.R.d.L.); (D.J.N.); (C.N.A.)
- School of Public Health and Human Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi 195-80108, Kenya
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Estimating the national burden of hospitalizations for influenza-associated severe acute respiratory infection in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, 2016. Western Pac Surveill Response J 2021; 12:19-27. [PMID: 34540308 PMCID: PMC8421749 DOI: 10.5365/wpsar.2020.11.2.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Estimates of the burden of influenza are needed to inform prevention and control activities for seasonal influenza, including to support the development of appropriate vaccination policies. We used sentinel surveillance data on severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) to estimate the burden of influenza-associated hospitalizations in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Methods Using methods developed by the World Health Organization, we combined data from hospital logbook reviews with epidemiological and virological data from influenza surveillance from 1 January to 31 December 2016 in defined catchment areas for two sentinel sites (Champasack and Luang Prabang provincial hospitals) to derive population-based estimates of influenza-associated SARI hospitalization rates. Hospitalization rates by age group were then applied to national age-specific population estimates using 2015 census data. Results We estimated the overall influenza-associated SARI hospitalization rate to be 48/100 000 population (95% confidence interval [CI]: 44–51) or 3097 admissions (95% CI: 2881–3313). SARI hospitalization rates were estimated to be as low as 40/100 000 population (95% CI: 37–43) and as high as 92/100 000 population (95% CI: 87–98) after accounting for SARI patient underascertainment in hospital logbooks. Influenza-associated SARI hospitalization rates were highest in children aged < 5 years (219; 95% CI: 198–241) and persons aged 3 65 years (106; 95% CI: 91–121). Discussion Our findings have identified age groups at higher risk for influenza-associated SARI hospitalization, which will support policy decisions for influenza prevention and control strategies, including for vaccination. Further work is needed to estimate the burdens of outpatient influenza and influenza in specific high-risk subpopulations.
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43
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Azziz-Baumgartner E, Bruno A, Daugherty M, Chico ME, Lopez A, Arriola CS, de Mora D, Ropero AM, Davis WW, McMorrow M, Cooper PJ. Incidence and seasonality of respiratory viruses among medically attended children with acute respiratory infections in an Ecuador birth cohort, 2011-2014. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2021; 16:24-33. [PMID: 34432362 PMCID: PMC8692806 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ecuador annually has handwashing and respiratory hygiene campaigns and seasonal influenza vaccination to prevent respiratory virus illnesses but has yet to quantify disease burden and determine epidemic timing. Methods To identify respiratory virus burden and assess months with epidemic activity, we followed a birth cohort in northwest Ecuador during 2011–2014. Mothers brought children to the study clinic for routine checkups at ages 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8 years or if children experienced any acute respiratory illness symptoms (e.g., cough, fever, or difficulty breathing); clinical care was provided free of charge. Those with medically attended acute respiratory infections (MAARIs) were tested for common respiratory viruses via real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR). Results In 2011, 2376 children aged 1–4 years (median 35 months) were enrolled in the respiratory cohort and monitored for 7017.5 child‐years (cy). The incidence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was 23.9 (95% CI 17.3–30.5), influenza 10.6 (2.4–18.8), adenoviruses 6.7 (4.6–28.0), parainfluenzas 5.0 (2.3–10.5), and rhinoviruses, bocaviruses, human metapneumoviruses, seasonal coronaviruses, and enteroviruses <3/100 cy among children aged 12–23 months and declined with age. Most (75%) influenza detections occurred April–September. Conclusion Cohort children frequently had MAARIs, and while the incidence decreased rapidly among older children, more than one in five children aged 12–23 months tested positive for RSV, and one in 10 tested positive for influenza. Our findings suggest this substantial burden of influenza occurred more commonly during the winter Southern Hemisphere influenza season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner
- International Epidemiology and Research Team, Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alfredo Bruno
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad Agraria del Ecuador, Guayaquil, Ecuador.,National Reference Laboratory for Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública (INSPI), Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Michael Daugherty
- International Epidemiology and Research Team, Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Martha E Chico
- Fundación Ecuatoriana Para Investigación en Salud, Quinindé, Ecuador
| | - Andrea Lopez
- School of Medicine, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Carmen Sofia Arriola
- International Epidemiology and Research Team, Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Domenica de Mora
- International Epidemiology and Research Team, Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alba María Ropero
- Immunizations Program, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA
| | - William W Davis
- International Epidemiology and Research Team, Influenza Division, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Meredith McMorrow
- Enhanced Surveillance Platforms Team, Division of Viral Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Philip J Cooper
- School of Medicine, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.,Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
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Burden of Seasonal Influenza A and B in Panama from 2011 to 2017: An Observational Retrospective Database Study. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 10:2465-2478. [PMID: 34424506 PMCID: PMC8381717 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00501-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Influenza A and B viruses constantly evolve and cause seasonal epidemics and sporadic outbreaks. Therefore, epidemiological surveillance is critical for monitoring their circulation pattern. Trivalent and quadrivalent vaccine formulations are available in Panama (until and since 2016, respectively). Herein, we analysed influenza A and B epidemiological patterns in Panama. Methods This was a retrospective descriptive analysis of all laboratory-confirmed influenza nasopharyngeal samples recorded between 2011 and 2017 in the nationwide surveillance database of Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies. The analysis involved data relative to demographic information, virus type, subtype and lineage, geographic region, treatment and outcomes. The percentage level of mismatch between circulating and vaccine-recommended B lineage was assessed for each May–October influenza season. Results Among 1839 influenza cases, 79.6% were type A and 20.4% were type B. Most of them were observed in Panama City (54.7%) followed by the West (23.2%) and Central (16.7%) regions; across all regions, influenza A and B cases were distributed in a 4:1 ratio. Overall, approximately half were hospitalized (52.0% for type A; 45.5% for type B) and 11 (0.6%) died. Treatment, usually antimicrobial, was administered in 15.1% of cases. Children less than 2 years old were the most affected by this disease. Influenza type A circulated every year, while influenza B only circulated in 2012, 2014 and 2017. In the 2012 May–October influenza B season, the predominant lineage was B/Victoria and a switch to B/Yamagata was observed in 2014. Both lineages co-circulated in 2017, leading to a 38.9% B-lineage-level vaccine mismatch. Conclusion Influenza A was predominant among all ages and children less than 2 years and inhabitants of Panama City reported the highest circulation rate. In 2017, co-circulation of both B lineages led to a vaccine mismatch. Continuous monitoring of seasonal influenza is critical to establish immunization recommendations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40121-021-00501-y. Influenza or “flu” is caused by influenza viruses A and B and its symptoms range from mild to severe. This virus is constantly evolving; thus, careful monitoring of influenza is important to update immunization and vaccine recommendations yearly. This study used data from surveillance centres in Panama from 2011 to 2017 and evaluated the number of flu cases by age, gender, region, virus type, symptoms, comorbidities, treatment, coinfections with other viruses, and the circulating influenza subtype and the vaccine recommended each year. We found several points: almost 80% of cases were influenza A; most of the positive samples were found in children less than 2 years old and the Panama city region; more than 50% of influenza cases needed hospitalization; and in 2017 a mismatch was detected between the circulating influenza subtype and the recommended vaccine. This study helped to better characterize influenza circulation patterns and the burden of the disease during 2011–2017. We concluded that continuous monitoring of the influenza cases is necessary to establish future vaccination recommendations.
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Shah Alam M, Czajkowsky DM, Aminul Islam M, Ataur Rahman M. The role of vitamin D in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection: An update. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 97:107686. [PMID: 33930705 PMCID: PMC8052476 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is having a disastrous impact on global health. Recently, several studies examined the potential of vitamin D to reduce the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection by modulating the immune system. Indeed, vitamin D has been found to boost the innate immune system and stimulate the adaptive immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update of the immunological mechanisms underlying the positive effects of vitamin D in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as a thorough survey of the recent epidemiological studies and clinical trials that tested vitamin D as a potential therapeutic agent against COVID-19 infection. We believe that a better understanding of the histopathology and immunopathology of the disease as well as the mechanism of vitamin D effects on COVID-19 severity will ultimately pave the way for a more effective prevention and control of this global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shah Alam
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh.
| | - Daniel M Czajkowsky
- Bio-ID Centre, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Md Aminul Islam
- Department of Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ataur Rahman
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
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46
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Staadegaard L, Caini S, Wangchuk S, Thapa B, de Almeida WAF, de Carvalho FC, Fasce RA, Bustos P, Kyncl J, Novakova L, Caicedo AB, de Mora Coloma DJ, Meijer A, Hooiveld M, Huang QS, Wood T, Guiomar R, Rodrigues AP, Lee VJM, Ang LW, Cohen C, Moyes J, Larrauri A, Delgado-Sanz C, Demont C, Bangert M, Dückers M, van Summeren J, Paget J. Defining the seasonality of respiratory syncytial virus around the world: National and subnational surveillance data from 12 countries. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2021; 15:732-741. [PMID: 34255934 PMCID: PMC8542954 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are one of the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections and have a major burden on society. For prevention and control to be deployed effectively, an improved understanding of the seasonality of RSV is necessary. Objectives The main objective of this study was to contribute to a better understanding of RSV seasonality by examining the GERi multi‐country surveillance dataset. Methods RSV seasons were included in the analysis if they contained ≥100 cases. Seasonality was determined using the “average annual percentage” method. Analyses were performed at a subnational level for the United States and Brazil. Results We included 601 425 RSV cases from 12 countries. Most temperate countries experienced RSV epidemics in the winter, with a median duration of 10–21 weeks. Not all epidemics fit this pattern in a consistent manner, with some occurring later or in an irregular manner. More variation in timing was observed in (sub)tropical countries, and we found substantial differences in seasonality at a subnational level. No association was found between the timing of the epidemic and the dominant RSV subtype. Conclusions Our findings suggest that geographical location or climatic characteristics cannot be used as a definitive predictor for the timing of RSV epidemics and highlight the need for (sub)national data collection and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Staadegaard
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saverio Caini
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Binay Thapa
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | | | | | - Rodrigo A Fasce
- Subdepartamento Enfermedades Virales, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricia Bustos
- Sección Virus Respiratorios, Subdepartamento Enfermedades Virales, Instituto de Salud Publica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jan Kyncl
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmila Novakova
- National Reference Laboratory for Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alfredo Bruno Caicedo
- Universidad Agraria del Ecuador, Guayaquil, Ecuador.,Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública (INSPI), Centro de Referencia Nacional de Influenza y otros Virus Respiratorios, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Domenica Joseth de Mora Coloma
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública (INSPI), Centro de Referencia Nacional de Influenza y otros Virus Respiratorios, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Adam Meijer
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Mariëtte Hooiveld
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Q Sue Huang
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease (NCBID), Upper Hutt, New Zealand
| | - Tim Wood
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease (NCBID), Upper Hutt, New Zealand
| | - Raquel Guiomar
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Li Wei Ang
- Ministry of Health, Singapore.,National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore
| | - Cheryl Cohen
- Centre for Respiratory Disease and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jocelyn Moyes
- Centre for Respiratory Disease and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amparo Larrauri
- National Centre of Epidemiology, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Concepción Delgado-Sanz
- National Centre of Epidemiology, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Michel Dückers
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - John Paget
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Rahaman MR, Alroy KA, Van Beneden CA, Friedman MS, Kennedy ED, Rahman M, Balajee A, Muraduzzaman AKM, Shirin T, Flora MS, Azziz-Baumgartner E. Etiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections, Bangladesh, 2017. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:324-326. [PMID: 33350930 PMCID: PMC7774577 DOI: 10.3201/eid2701.201347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In April 2017, surveillance detected a surge in severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in Bangladesh. We collected specimens from SARI patients and asymptomatic controls for analysis with multipathogen diagnostic tests. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was associated with the SARI epidemic, suggesting that introducing vaccines and empiric antiviral drugs could be beneficial.
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Assessing the appropriateness of the Moving Epidemic Method and WHO Average Curve Method for the syndromic surveillance of acute respiratory infection in Mauritius. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252703. [PMID: 34081752 PMCID: PMC8174728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mauritius introduced Acute respiratory infection (ARI) syndromic surveillance in 2007. The Moving Epidemic Method (MEM) and the World Health Organization Average Curve Method (WHO ACM) have been used widely in several countries to establish thresholds to determine the seasonality of acute respiratory infections. This study aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of these tools for ARI syndromic surveillance in Mauritius, where two or more waves are observed. Method The proportion of attendance due to acute respiratory infections was identified as the transmissibility indicator to describe seasonality using the Moving Epidemic Method and the WHO Average Curve Method. The proportion was obtained from weekly outpatient data between 2012 and 2018 collected from the sentinel acute respiratory infections surveillance. A cross-validation analysis was carried out. The resulting indicators of the goodness of fit model were used to assess the robustness of the seasonal/epidemic threshold of both the Moving Epidemic Method and WHO Average Curve Method. Additionally, a comparative analysis examined the integrity of the thresholds without the year 2017. Result The cross-validation analysis demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the means scores of the indicators when comparing the two waves/seasons curves of WHO ACM and MEM. The only exception being that the Wilcoxon sign rank test strongly supported that the specificity mean score of the two waves/seasons curve for WHO ACM outweighed that of its corresponding wave model for the MEM (P = 0.002). The comparative analysis with 2017 data showed the value of the epidemic threshold remained the same regardless of the methods and the number of seasonal waves. Conclusion The two waves models of the Moving Epidemic Method and WHO Average Curve Method could be deployed for acute respiratory infection syndromic surveillance in Mauritius, considering that two or more activity peaks are observed in a season.
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Montgomery AS, Lustik MB, Reichert-Scrivner SA, Woodbury RL, Jones MU, Horseman TS. Respiratory Viral Pathogens Among U.S. Military Personnel at a Medical Treatment Facility in Hawaii From 2014 to 2019. Mil Med 2021; 187:182-188. [PMID: 34008030 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute respiratory diseases account for a substantial number of outpatient visits and hospitalizations among U.S. military personnel, significantly affecting mission readiness and military operations. We conducted a retrospective analysis of respiratory viral pathogen (RVP) samples collected from U.S. military personnel stationed in Hawaii and tested at Tripler Army Medical Center from January 2014 to May 2019 in order to describe the etiology, distribution, and seasonality of RVP exposure in a military population. MATERIALS AND METHODS Samples were analyzed by viral culture or multiplex PCR. Distribution of respiratory viruses over time was analyzed as well as subject demographic and encounter data. Presenting signs and symptoms were evaluated with each RVP. RESULTS A total of 2,576 military personnel were tested, of which 726 (28.2%) were positive for one or more RVP. Among positive tests, the three most common viral pathogens detected were influenza A (43.0%), rhinovirus (24.5%), and parainfluenza (7.6%). Symptoms were generally mild and most frequently included cough, fever, and body aches. CONCLUSION Our study evaluated respiratory virus prevalence, seasonality, and association with clinical symptoms for military personnel in an urban tropical setting in Oahu, HI, over a 5-year period. We show that viral prevalence and seasonality in Hawaii are distinct from those of the CONUS. Results contribute to the broader understanding of seasonality, clinical manifestation, and demographics of RVP among active duty military personnel stationed in Hawaii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes S Montgomery
- Department of Pediatrics, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA
| | - Michael B Lustik
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA
| | | | - Ronald L Woodbury
- Department of Pathology, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA
| | - Milissa U Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA
| | - Timothy S Horseman
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA
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50
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Vicari AS, Olson D, Vilajeliu A, Andrus JK, Ropero AM, Morens DM, Santos IJ, Azziz-Baumgartner E, Berman S. Seasonal Influenza Prevention and Control Progress in Latin America and the Caribbean in the Context of the Global Influenza Strategy and the COVID-19 Pandemic. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 105:93-101. [PMID: 33970888 PMCID: PMC8274756 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Each year in Latin America and the Caribbean, seasonal influenza is associated with an estimated 36,500 respiratory deaths and 400,000 hospitalizations. Since the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, the Region has made significant advances in the prevention and control of seasonal influenza, including improved surveillance systems, burden estimates, and vaccination of at-risk groups. The Global Influenza Strategy 2019–2030 provides a framework to strengthen these advances. Against the backdrop of this new framework, the University of Colorado convened in October 2020 its Immunization Advisory Group of Experts to review and discuss current surveillance, prevention, and control strategies for seasonal influenza in Latin America and the Caribbean, also in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review identified five areas for action and made recommendations specific to each area. The Region should continue its efforts to strengthen surveillance and impact evaluations. Existing data on disease burden, seasonality patterns, and vaccination effectiveness should be used to inform decision-making at the country level as well as advocacy efforts for programmatic resources. Regional and country strategic plans should be prepared and include specific targets for 2030. Existing investments in influenza prevention and control, including for immunization programs, should be optimized. Finally, regional partnerships, such as the regional networks for syndromic surveillance and vaccine effectiveness evaluation (SARInet and REVELAC-i), should continue to play a critical role in continuous learning and standardization by sharing experiences and best practices among countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Vicari
- 1Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Daniel Olson
- 2Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.,3Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado.,4Center for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Alba Vilajeliu
- 5Comprehensive Family Immunization, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jon K Andrus
- 6Department of Global Health, George Washington University Milken Institute of Public Health, Washington, District of Columbia.,7Division of Vaccines and Immunization, Center for Global Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Alba Maria Ropero
- 5Comprehensive Family Immunization, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - David M Morens
- 8Office of the Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | | | - Stephen Berman
- 4Center for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado
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