tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
We performed a longitudinal study of viral etiology in samples collected in New York City during May 2009 to May 2010 from outpatients with fever or respiratory disease symptoms in the context of a pilot respiratory virus surveillance system.
Methods: Samples were assessed for the presence of 13 viruses, including influenza A virus, by MassTag PCR.
Results: At least one virus was detected in 52% of 940 samples analyzed, with 3% showing co-infections. The most frequently detected agents were rhinoviruses and influenza A, all representing the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain.
The incidence of influenza H1N1-positive samples was highest in late spring 2009, followed by a decline in summer and early fall, when rhinovirus infections became predominant before H1N1 reemerged in winter. Our study also identified a focal outbreak of enterovirus 68 in the early fall of 2009.
Conclusion: MassTag multiplex PCR affords opportunities to track the epidemiology of infectious diseases and may guide clinicians and public health practitioners in influenza-like illness and outbreak management.
Nonetheless, a substantial proportion of influenza-like illness remains unexplained underscoring the need for additional platforms.
Author: Rafal TokarzVishal KapoorWinfred WuJoseph LurioKomal JainFarzad MostashariThomas BrieseW Lipkin
Credits/Source: Virology Journal 2011, 8:288
Published on: 2011-06-09
http://7thspace.com/headlines/38560...new_york_city_may_2009_through_may_2010_.html
Methods: Samples were assessed for the presence of 13 viruses, including influenza A virus, by MassTag PCR.
Results: At least one virus was detected in 52% of 940 samples analyzed, with 3% showing co-infections. The most frequently detected agents were rhinoviruses and influenza A, all representing the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain.
The incidence of influenza H1N1-positive samples was highest in late spring 2009, followed by a decline in summer and early fall, when rhinovirus infections became predominant before H1N1 reemerged in winter. Our study also identified a focal outbreak of enterovirus 68 in the early fall of 2009.
Conclusion: MassTag multiplex PCR affords opportunities to track the epidemiology of infectious diseases and may guide clinicians and public health practitioners in influenza-like illness and outbreak management.
Nonetheless, a substantial proportion of influenza-like illness remains unexplained underscoring the need for additional platforms.
Author: Rafal TokarzVishal KapoorWinfred WuJoseph LurioKomal JainFarzad MostashariThomas BrieseW Lipkin
Credits/Source: Virology Journal 2011, 8:288
Published on: 2011-06-09
http://7thspace.com/headlines/38560...new_york_city_may_2009_through_may_2010_.html