scholarly journals Challenges and Strategies of Laboratory Diagnosis for Newly Emerging Influenza Viruses in Taiwan: A Decade after SARS

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jih-Hui Lin ◽  
Ho-Sheng Wu
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
First Case ◽  
National Public Health ◽  
Viral Respiratory Infections

Since the first case of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Taiwan was identified in March 2003, viral respiratory infections, in particular the influenza virus, have become a national public health concern. Taiwan would face a serious threat of public health problems if another SARS epidemic overlapped with a flu outbreak. After SARS, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control accelerated and strengthened domestic research on influenza and expanded the exchange of information with international counterparts. The capacity of influenza A to cross species barriers presents a potential threat to human health. Given the mutations of avian flu viruses such as H7N9, H6N1, and H10N8, all countries, including Taiwan, must equip themselves to face a possible epidemic or pandemic. Such preparedness requires global collaboration.

scholarly journals Structural and Molecular Characterization of the Hemagglutinin from the Fifth-Epidemic-Wave A(H7N9) Influenza Viruses

2018 ◽  
Vol 92 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Yang ◽  
Paul J. Carney ◽  
Jessie C. Chang ◽  
Zhu Guo ◽  
James Stevens
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Avian Influenza ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
H7n9 Influenza ◽  
Epidemic Wave

ABSTRACTThe avian influenza A(H7N9) virus continues to cause human infections in China and is a major ongoing public health concern. Five epidemic waves of A(H7N9) infection have occurred since 2013, and the recent fifth epidemic wave saw the emergence of two distinct lineages with elevated numbers of human infection cases and broader geographic distribution of viral diseases compared to the first four epidemic waves. Moreover, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H7N9) viruses were also isolated during the fifth epidemic wave. Here, we present a detailed structural and biochemical analysis of the surface hemagglutinin (HA) antigen from viruses isolated during this recent epidemic wave. Results highlight that, compared to the 2013 virus HAs, the fifth-wave virus HAs remained a weak binder to human glycan receptor analogs. We also studied three mutations, V177K-K184T-G219S, that were recently reported to switch a 2013 A(H7N9) HA to human-type receptor specificity. Our results indicate that these mutations could also switch the H7 HA receptor preference to a predominantly human binding specificity for both fifth-wave H7 HAs analyzed in this study.IMPORTANCEThe A(H7N9) viruses circulating in China are of great public health concern. Here, we report a molecular and structural study of the major surface proteins from several recent A(H7N9) influenza viruses. Our results improve the understanding of these evolving viruses and provide important information on their receptor preference that is central to ongoing pandemic risk assessment.

scholarly journals MICROBIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS AND IMPORTANCE OF INFECTIONS CAUSED BY INFLENZAE – А VIRUS

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 1057-1061
Author(s):  
Zivadinka Cvetanovska ◽  
Vaso Taleski
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Viral Respiratory Infections ◽  
Subtype A

Influenza is one of the commonest acute viral respiratory infections with a great potential for spreading as an epidemic or pandemic appearance. Until 2009 relevant data about types and subtypes of influenza viruses circulated in Republic of Macedonia, did not exist. Since pandemic in 2009, molecular method RT-PCR was introduced real time detection of types and subtypes of influenza viruses, which enabled continuously and accurate follow up. Flu differ in types and subtypes presence in each new season, with great influence on number of patients and deaths caused by influenza viral infections. In season 2009/2010 - type Influenza A dominated, subtype A (H1N1) pdm. Total number of 54.343 cases were registered and 30 deaths. In season 2010/2011 – co-circulated types of Influenza A and Influenza B, with small domination of subtype A (H1N1) pdm. Total number of 27.635 cases were registered and 17 deaths. In season 2011/2012 - dominant was type Influenza A, subtype A (H3N2). Total number of 9.732 cases were registered and only one case of death. In season 2012/2013 - co-circulated types of Influenza A and Influenza B, with domination of subtype A (H1N1) pdm. Total number of 24.524 were registered, no deaths. In season 2013/2014 - co-circulated types of Influenza A and Influenza B, with domination of subtype A (H3N2). Total number of 29.074 were registered and 12 deaths. In season 2014/2015 - dominant was type Influenza B, and also Influenza A subtype A(H3N2) circulated. Total number of reported cases was 33.228, no deaths. In season 2015/2016 - Influenza A, subtype A(H1N1) pdm was dominant. During same period, type Influenza B, subtype Victoria was detected as well. Total number of reported cases was 29.094 and 2 deaths. In season 2016/2017 - type Influenza A, subtype A/H3, was dominant. Total number of reported cases was 35.079 and 2 deaths. In season 2017/2018 година – simultaneously circulation of types Influenza А and Influenza B, with domination of lineage B/Yamagata. Total number of 23.954 cases were registered, no deaths. In season 2018/2019 - highest number of cases were caused by type Influenza A subtype A(H1) pdm, in co-circulation with Influenza А(H3). Total number of reported cases was 21.404 and 29 deaths, that present the highest number of deaths in correlation with number of diseased.

scholarly journals Influenza A and B viruses in the population of Vojvodina, Serbia

2014 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Radovanov ◽  
V. Milosevic ◽  
I. Hrnjakovic ◽  
V. Petrovic ◽  
M. Ristic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Influenza B Virus ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Influenza A Viruses ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Seasonal Epidemic

At present, two influenza A viruses, H1N1pdm09 and H3N2, along with influenza B virus co-circulate in the human population, causing endemic and seasonal epidemic acute febrile respiratory infections, sometimes with life-threatening complications. Detection of influenza viruses in nasopharyngeal swab samples was done by real-time RT-PCR. There were 60.2% (53/88) positive samples in 2010/11, 63.4% (52/82) in 2011/12, and 49.9% (184/369) in 2012/13. Among the positive patients, influenza A viruses were predominant during the first two seasons, while influenza B type was more active during 2012/13. Subtyping of influenza A positive samples revealed the presence of A (H1N1)pdm09 in 2010/11, A (H3N2) in 2011/12, while in 2012/13, both subtypes were detected. The highest seroprevalence against influenza A was in the age-group 30-64, and against influenza B in adults aged 30-64 and >65.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of Respiratory Pathogens among Elderly Nursing Home Residents with Acute Respiratory Infections in Corsica, France, 2013–2017

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley Masse ◽  
Lisandru Capai ◽  
Alessandra Falchi
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Acute Respiratory Infections ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens

Background. The current study aims to describe the demographical and clinical characteristics of elderly nursing home (NH) residents with acute respiratory infections (ARIs) during four winter seasons (2013/2014–2016/2017), as well as the microbiological etiology of these infections. Methods. Seventeen NHs with at least one ARI resident in Corsica, France, were included. An ARI resident was defined as a resident developing a sudden onset of any constitutional symptoms in addition to any respiratory signs. Nasopharyngeal swabs from ARI residents were screened for the presence of 21 respiratory agents, including seasonal influenza viruses. Results. Of the 107 ARI residents enrolled from NHs, 61 (57%) were positive for at least one of the 21 respiratory pathogens. Forty-one (38.3%) of the 107 ARI residents had influenza: 38 (92%) were positive for influenza A (100% A(H3N2)) and three (8%) for influenza B/Victoria. Axillary fever (≥38°C) was significantly more common among patients infected with influenza A(H3N2). Conclusion. The circulation of seasonal respiratory viruses other than influenza A(H3N2) seems to be sporadic among elderly NH residents. Investigating the circulation of respiratory viruses in nonwinter seasons seems to be important in order to understand better the dynamic of their year-round circulation in NHs.

The Past, Present, and Future of Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention in Pediatrics: Viral Respiratory Infections

2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (S1) ◽  
pp. S22-S26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle M. Zerr ◽  
Aaron M. Milstone ◽  
W. Charles Huskins ◽  
Kristina A. Bryant
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Virus Isolation ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infection ◽  
The Past ◽  
Viral Respiratory Infections ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Pediatric Infection ◽  
Viral Respiratory

Viral respiratory infections pose a significant challenge to pediatric infection prevention programs. We explore issues regarding the prevention of viral respiratory infections by discussing transmission of influenza A virus, isolation of infected patients, and hospital programs for influenza vaccination.

scholarly journals Methods for Molecular Surveillance of Influenza Used in Macedonia

PRILOZI ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-30
Author(s):  
Golubinka Bosevska ◽  
Elizabeta Janceska ◽  
Gordana Kuzmanovska ◽  
Vladimir Mikik ◽  
Nikola Panovski
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Influenza Virus Infection ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Nose And Throat

AbstractThe aim: To present and compare different Nucleic Acid Testing assays used for laboratory diagnosis of influenza virus infection in our country.Materials and methods: Respiratory samples used were nose and throat swabs. The RNA extraction was performed with a QIAamp viral RNA kit. During the season 2009–2010 the first 25 samples were tested with: conventional gel-based RT-PCR and CDC rtRT-PCR using published specific matrix and HA gene primers and probes for influenza virus typing and subtyping.Results: Of 25 samples tested with conventional RT-PCR7(28%) were positive for influenza A, but negative for A/H1seasonal and A/H3. Retested with rtRT-PCR 9(36%) were positive for influenza A, 8(32%) were positive for A/H1pdm and 1(4%) was A/H3. Two samples positive with rtRT-PCR for influenza A were negative with RT-PCR. The sensitivity of the RT-PCR in comparison with rtRT-PCR is 100% and the specificity is 88.89%. Positive predictive value for RT-PCR is 77.78%, and negative predictive value is 100%. RT-PCR is a four-step and rtRT-PCR a one-step procedure. The turn-around time of RT-PCR is 6 hours and for rtRT-PCR it is 2 hours.Discussion and conclusion: For surveillance purposes nose and throat swabs are the more easy and practical to collect. It was proved that RT-PCR is too laborious, multi-step and time-consuming. The sensitivity of both assays is equal. The specificity of rtRT-PCR is higher. NAT assays for detection of influenza viruses have become an integral component of the surveillance programme in our country. They provide a fast, accurate and sensitive detection of influenza.

Respiratory tract viruses

2020 ◽  
pp. 723-734
Author(s):  
Malik Peiris
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Lower Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Parainfluenza Viruses ◽  
Clinical Syndromes ◽  
Respiratory Tract Viruses ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Viral Respiratory Infections

Viral respiratory infections, including coronavirus, rhinovirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza viruses, and influenza viruses, are a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic. Transmission occurs through direct contact, contaminated fomites, and large airborne droplets, with long-range transmission by small particle aerosols reported in at least some instances of influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome. Clinical syndromes affect the upper and/or lower respiratory tract, including coryza, pharyngitis, croup, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. Each syndrome can potentially be caused by several viruses, and each respiratory virus can be associated with different clinical syndromes. Measles is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections and fatality in tropical countries.

scholarly journals Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Response in Zimbabwe: A Call for Urgent Scale-up of Testing to meet National Capacity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tafadzwa Dzinamarira ◽  
Solomon Mukwenha ◽  
Rouzeh Eghtessadi ◽  
Diego F Cuadros ◽  
Gibson Mhlanga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Frontline Health Workers ◽  
National Public Health ◽  
National Capacity

Abstract Control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) heavily relies on universal access to testing in order to identify who is infected; track them to make sure they do not spread the disease further; and trace those with whom they have been in contact. The recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Zimbabwe is an urgent national public health concern and requires coordinated efforts to scale up testing using the capacity already in existence in the country. There is a need for substantial decentralization of testing, investment in better working conditions for frontline health workers, and the implementation of measures to curb corruption within government structures.

Role of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Improving Diet Quality: Implications for Nurses

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-70
Author(s):  
Victoria M. Pak ◽  
Erin Ferranti ◽  
Ingrid Duva ◽  
Melissa Owen ◽  
Sandra B. Dunbar
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Health Goals ◽  
National Public Health ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides access to healthy food for low-income individuals and households. Food security, however, does not necessarily achieve higher diet quality for beneficiaries. Diet quality is an important consideration for the development and management of chronic illness, a significant public health concern. In this study, we review incentives and disincentives implemented to improve the diet quality, the evidence on SNAP including benefits, challenges, and the politics of funding. New interventions and policies will be needed in order to improve the overall diet quality of SNAP households. SNAP should align with nutritional science to meet national public health goals. Nurses are trusted advocates for patients and the public and are uniquely positioned to aid in this effort. Informed by evidence, nurses willing to leverage their influence, can lead this needed change.

scholarly journals Microbiota Modulating Nutritional Approaches to Countering the Effects of Viral Respiratory Infections Including SARS-CoV-2 through Promoting Metabolic and Immune Fitness with Probiotics and Plant Bioactives

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 921 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanvi Shinde ◽  
Philip M Hansbro ◽  
Sukhwinder Singh Sohal ◽  
Peter Dingle ◽  
Rajaraman Eri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Mechanistic Study ◽  
Time Lags ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Viral Respiratory Infections ◽  
Viral Respiratory

Viral respiratory infections (VRIs) can spread quickly and cause enormous morbidity and mortality worldwide. These events pose serious threats to public health due to time lags in developing vaccines to activate the acquired immune system. The high variability of people’s symptomatic responses to viral infections, as illustrated in the current COVID-19 pandemic, indicates the potential to moderate the severity of morbidity from VRIs. Growing evidence supports roles for probiotic bacteria (PB) and prebiotic dietary fiber (DF) and other plant nutritional bioactives in modulating immune functions. While human studies help to understand the epidemiology and immunopathology of VRIs, the chaotic nature of viral transmissions makes it difficult to undertake mechanistic study where the pre-conditioning of the metabolic and immune system could be beneficial. However, recent experimental studies have significantly enhanced our understanding of how PB and DF, along with plant bioactives, can significantly modulate innate and acquired immunity responses to VRIs. Synbiotic combinations of PB and DF potentiate increased benefits primarily through augmenting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate. These and specific plant polyphenolics help to regulate immune responses to both restrain VRIs and temper the neutrophil response that can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This review highlights the current understanding of the potential impact of targeted nutritional strategies in setting a balanced immune tone for viral clearance and reinforcing homeostasis. This knowledge may guide the development of public health tactics and the application of functional foods with PB and DF components as a nutritional approach to support countering VRI morbidity.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document