scholarly journals Characterisation of swabbing for virological analysis in the Spanish Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System during four influenza seasons in the period 2002-2006

2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 5-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Larrauri ◽  
S De Mateo ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Activity Time ◽  
Spanish Influenza ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Influenza Activity ◽  
Collection Period ◽  
Surveillance Scheme ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance System

This study sought to characterise the swabbing pattern in the Spanish Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System (SISSS) and ascertain to what extent the system meets the guidelines currently being drafted by The European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS). Data on seasons 2002/2003 to 2005/2006 were drawn from SISSS. The study analysed collection and dispatch of swab specimens for virological analysis by reference to variables relating to patient sex, age group, vaccination status, specimen collection period, period of influenza activity, time of swabbing and epidemiological season. SISSS adapts to EISS recommendations with respect to the specimen collection period and period of influenza activity, but there is a tendency to collect fewer specimens than recommended as the age of patients increases, and in the case of elderly patients (65 years and older), frequency of collection is clearly insufficient. Furthermore, sentinel physicians collect a higher percentage of specimens in cases where patients have received the influenza vaccine.

scholarly journals Pilot study to harmonize the reported influenza intensity levels within the Spanish Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System (SISSS) using the Moving Epidemic Method (MEM)

2016 ◽  
Vol 145 (4) ◽  
pp. 715-722 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. BANGERT ◽  
H. GIL ◽  
J. OLIVA ◽  
C. DELGADO ◽  
T. VEGA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Historical Data ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Network ◽  
Spanish Influenza ◽  
Influenza Activity ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance System

SUMMARYThe intensity of annual Spanish influenza activity is currently estimated from historical data of the Spanish Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System (SISSS) using qualitative indicators from the European Influenza Surveillance Network. However, these indicators are subjective, based on qualitative comparison with historical data of influenza-like illness rates. This pilot study assesses the implementation of Moving Epidemic Method (MEM) intensity levels during the 2014–2015 influenza season within the 17 sentinel networks covered by SISSS, comparing them to historically reported indicators. Intensity levels reported and those obtained with MEM at the epidemic peak of the influenza wave, and at national and regional levels did not show statistical difference (P = 0·74, Wilcoxon signed-rank test), suggesting that the implementation of MEM would have limited disrupting effects on the dynamic of notification within the surveillance system. MEM allows objective influenza surveillance monitoring and standardization of criteria for comparing the intensity of influenza epidemics in regions in Spain. Following this pilot study, MEM has been adopted to harmonize the reporting of intensity levels of influenza activity in Spain, starting in the 2015–2016 season.

scholarly journals Progress in the surveillance of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Europe: 2001-2008

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (40) ◽  
Author(s):  
T J Meerhoff ◽  
A Mosnier ◽  
F Schellevis ◽  
W J Paget ◽  
the EISS RSV Task Group
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Healthcare Resource ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Rsv Infection ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Surveillance Scheme ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance System

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surveillance is important to get insight into the burden of disease and epidemic pattern of RSV infection. This information is useful for healthcare resource allocation as well as the timing of preventive messages and palivizumab prophylaxis. For influenza surveillance the European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS) was established in 1996, but no surveillance platform is available for RSV. To improve surveillance an RSV Task Group was established in 2003 and recommendations for RSV surveillance were developed. By 2008, progress was made for four out of six recommendations: the number of European countries testing specimens for RSV increased from six to fourteen; nose and/or throat swabs were generally used for detection of influenza and RSV; a total of 25 laboratories performed molecular testing for diagnosis and participated in a quality control assessment for RSV with an overall good performance; four of the ten countries that joined EISS in 2004 started reporting RSV detections in addition to influenza in the period 2004-8. Limited progress was achieved for standardising methods and the development of a sentinel surveillance system of representative hospitals. Improving RSV surveillance is possible by further harmonising the data collection and increased reporting of RSV.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2012-2015

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pélagie Diambalula Babakazo ◽  
Joelle Kabamba-Tshilobo ◽  
Emile Okitolonda Wemakoy ◽  
Léopold Lubula ◽  
Léonie Kitoko Manya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Quality ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance ◽  
World Health ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance System

Abstract Background The World Health Organization recommends periodic evaluations of influenza surveillance systems to identify areas for improvement and provide evidence of data reliability for policymaking. However, data about the performance of established influenza surveillance systems are limited in Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods We used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to evaluate the performance of the influenza sentinel surveillance system (ISSS) in DRC during 2012-2015. The performance of the system was evaluated using eight surveillance attributes: (i) data quality and completeness for key variables, (ii) timeliness, (iii) representativeness, (iv) flexibility, (v) simplicity, (vi) acceptability, (vii) stability and (viii) utility. For each attribute, specific indicators were developed and described using quantitative and qualitative methods. Scores for each indicator were as follows: <60% weak performance; 60-79% moderate performance; ≥80% good performance. Results During 2012-2015, we enrolled and tested 4,339 patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and 2,869 patients with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) from 11 sentinel sites situated in 5 of 11 provinces. Influenza viruses were detected in 446 (10.3%) samples from patients with ILI and in 151 (5.5%) samples from patients with SARI with higher detection during December-May. Data quality and completeness was >90% for all evaluated indicators. Other strengths of the system were timeliness, representativeness, simplicity, stability and utility that scored >70% each. Flexibility and acceptability had moderate to week performance. It was reported that the ISSS contributed to: (i) a better understanding of the epidemiology, circulating patterns and proportional contribution of influenza virus among patients with ILI or SARI; (ii) acquisition of new key competences related to influenza surveillance and diagnosis; and (iii) continuous education of surveillance staff and clinicians at sentinel sites about influenza. However, due to limited resources no actions were undertaken to mitigate the impact of seasonal influenza epidemics. Conclusions The system performed overall satisfactorily and provided reliable and timely data about influenza circulation in DRC. The simplicity of the system contributed to its stability. A better use of the available data could be made to inform and promote prevention interventions especially among the most vulnerable groups.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2012-2015

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pelagie Diambalula Babakazo ◽  
Joelle Kabamba-Tshilobo ◽  
Emile Okitolonda Wemakoy ◽  
Léopold Lubula ◽  
Léonie Kitoko Manya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Quality ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance ◽  
World Health ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance System

Abstract Background The World Health Organization recommends periodic evaluations of influenza surveillance systems to identify areas for improvement and provide evidence of data reliability for policymaking. However, data about the performance of established influenza surveillance systems are limited in Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods We used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to evaluate the performance of the influenza sentinel surveillance system (ISSS) in DRC during 2012-2015. The performance of the system was evaluated using eight surveillance attributes: (i) data quality and completeness for key variables, (ii) timeliness, (iii) representativeness, (iv) flexibility, (v) simplicity, (vi) acceptability, (vii) stability and (viii) utility. For each attribute, specific indicators were developed and described using quantitative and qualitative methods. Scores for each indicator were as follows: <60% weak performance; 60-79% moderate performance; ≥80% good performance. Results During 2012-2015, we enrolled and tested 4,339 patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and 2,869 patients with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) from 11 sentinel sites situated in 5 of 11 provinces. Influenza viruses were detected in 446 (10.3%) samples from patients with ILI and in 151 (5.5%) samples from patients with SARI with higher detection during December-May. Data quality and completeness was >90% for all evaluated indicators. Other strengths of the system were timeliness, simplicity, stability and utility that scored >70% each. Representativeness, flexibility and acceptability had moderate performance. It was reported that the ISSS contributed to: (i) a better understanding of the epidemiology, circulating patterns and proportional contribution of influenza virus among patients with ILI or SARI; (ii) acquisition of new key competences related to influenza surveillance and diagnosis; and (iii) continuous education of surveillance staff and clinicians at sentinel sites about influenza. However, due to limited resources no actions were undertaken to mitigate the impact of seasonal influenza epidemics. Conclusions The system performed overall satisfactorily and provided reliable and timely data about influenza circulation in DRC. The simplicity of the system contributed to its stability. A better use of the available data could be made to inform and promote prevention interventions especially among the most vulnerable groups.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2012-2015

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pelagie Diambalula Babakazo ◽  
Joelle Kabamba-Tshilobo ◽  
Emile Okitolonda Wemakoy ◽  
Léopold Lubula ◽  
Léonie Kitoko Manya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Quality ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance ◽  
World Health ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance System

Abstract Background The World Health Organization recommends periodic evaluations of influenza surveillance systems to identify areas for improvement and provide evidence of data reliability for policymaking. However, data about the performance of established influenza surveillance systems are limited in Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods We used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to evaluate the performance of the influenza sentinel surveillance system (ISSS) in DRC during 2012-2015. The performance of the system was evaluated using eight surveillance attributes: (i) data quality and completeness for key variables, (ii) timeliness, (iii) representativeness, (iv) flexibility, (v) simplicity, (vi) acceptability, (vii) stability and (viii) utility. For each attribute, specific indicators were developed and described using quantitative and qualitative methods. Scores for each indicator were as follows: <60% weak performance; 60-79% moderate performance; ≥80% good performance. Results During 2012-2015, we enrolled and tested 4,339 patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and 2,869 patients with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) from 11 sentinel sites situated in 5 of 11 provinces. Influenza viruses were detected in 446 (10.3%) samples from patients with ILI and in 151 (5.5%) samples from patients with SARI with higher detection during December-May. Data quality and completeness was >90% for all evaluated indicators. Other strengths of the system were timeliness, representativeness, simplicity, stability and utility that scored >70% each. Flexibility and acceptability had moderate to week performance. It was reported that the ISSS contributed to: (i) a better understanding of the epidemiology, circulating patterns and proportional contribution of influenza virus among patients with ILI or SARI; (ii) acquisition of new key competences related to influenza surveillance and diagnosis; and (iii) continuous education of surveillance staff and clinicians at sentinel sites about influenza. However, due to limited resources no actions were undertaken to mitigate the impact of seasonal influenza epidemics. Conclusions The system performed overall satisfactorily and provided reliable and timely data about influenza circulation in DRC. The simplicity of the system contributed to its stability. A better use of the available data could be made to inform and promote prevention interventions especially among the most vulnerable groups.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2012-2015

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pelagie Diambalula Babakazo ◽  
Joelle Kabamba-Tshilobo ◽  
Emile Okitolonda Wemakoy ◽  
Léopold Lubula ◽  
Léonie Kitoko Manya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Quality ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance ◽  
World Health ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance System

Abstract Background The World Health Organization recommends periodic evaluations of influenza surveillance systems to identify areas for improvement and provide evidence of data reliability for policymaking. However, data about the performance of established influenza surveillance systems are limited in Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods We used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to evaluate the performance of the influenza sentinel surveillance system (ISSS) in DRC during 2012-2015. The performance of the system was evaluated using eight surveillance attributes: (i) data quality and completeness for key variables, (ii) timeliness, (iii) representativeness, (iv) flexibility, (v) simplicity, (vi) acceptability, (vii) stability and (viii) utility. For each attribute, specific indicators were developed and described using quantitative and qualitative methods. Scores for each indicator were as follows: <60% weak performance; 60-79% moderate performance; ≥80% good performance. Results During 2012-2015, we enrolled and tested 4,339 patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and 2,869 patients with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) from 11 sentinel sites situated in 5 of 11 provinces. Influenza viruses were detected in 446 (10.3%) samples from patients with ILI and in 151 (5.5%) samples from patients with SARI with higher detection during December-May. Data quality and completeness was >90% for all evaluated indicators. Other strengths of the system were timeliness, representativeness, simplicity, stability and utility that scored >70% each. Flexibility and acceptability had moderate to week performance. It was reported that the ISSS contributed to: (i) a better understanding of the epidemiology, circulating patterns and proportional contribution of influenza virus among patients with ILI or SARI; (ii) acquisition of new key competences related to influenza surveillance and diagnosis; and (iii) continuous education of surveillance staff and clinicians at sentinel sites about influenza. However, due to limited resources no actions were undertaken to mitigate the impact of seasonal influenza epidemics. Conclusions The system performed overall satisfactorily and provided reliable and timely data about influenza circulation in DRC. The simplicity of the system contributed to its stability. A better use of the available data could be made to inform and promote prevention interventions especially among the most vulnerable groups.

scholarly journals The introduction of the SENTINEL influenza surveillance system in Poland - experiences and lessons learned from the first three epidemic seasons

2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 7-8
Author(s):  
M Romanowska ◽  
I Nowak ◽  
K Rybicka ◽  
L B Brydak
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Virus Activity ◽  
Entire Country ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance System ◽  
Virological Surveillance ◽  
Selection Of

Influenza surveillance provides information on virus activity and is necessary for the selection of vaccine strains and early warning in the case of the threat of an epidemic or pandemic. To improve this surveillance in Poland, a sentinel surveillance system was introduced in 2004-5 (""SENTINEL""). This paper presents results from SENTINEL during three seasons of its existence. Voivodship Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations (VSESs), physicians and the National Influenza Center (NIC) participate in SENTINEL. Laboratory course was performed by the NIC for VSESs. Stations were provided with procedures, report forms, etc. Physicians register number of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and collect swabs. VSESs perform diagnostic tests. On the basis of information from VSESs, the NIC prepares weekly reports for the entire country. In 2004-5 epidemiological reports were received from 50% of VSESs, while in 2005-6 and 2006-7 from all VSESs. Virological reports were obtained from 37.5% of VSESs (2004-5), 75% (2005-6) and 94% (2006-7). Weekly number of reporting physicians ranged in three consecutive seasons from 165 to 219, 98 to 949 and 696 to 1,054. A total of 399 specimens were tested during the 2004-5 winter; 63 (16%) were positive for influenza and 21 (5%) for other respiratory viruses. In 2005-6, 949 specimens were tested. Influenza infections were confirmed in 47 cases (5%) and infections with other respiratory viruses in 36 cases (4%). A total of 1,195 specimens were tested during the 2006-7 winter; 37 (3%) were positive for influenza and 26 (2%) for other respiratory viruses. SENTINEL provided improvement of influenza surveillance when compared with seasons before 2004. Nevertheless, due to decreasing rate of positive specimens, virological surveillance is the most important part to improve in the next years.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the influenza sentinel surveillance system in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2012–2015

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pélagie Babakazo ◽  
Joelle Kabamba-Tshilobo ◽  
Emile Okitolonda Wemakoy ◽  
Léopold Lubula ◽  
Léonie Kitoko Manya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Quality ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance ◽  
World Health ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance System

Abstract Background The World Health Organization recommends periodic evaluations of influenza surveillance systems to identify areas for improvement and provide evidence of data reliability for policymaking. However, data about the performance of established influenza surveillance systems are limited in Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods We used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to evaluate the performance of the influenza sentinel surveillance system (ISSS) in DRC during 2012–2015. The performance of the system was evaluated using eight surveillance attributes: (i) data quality and completeness for key variables, (ii) timeliness, (iii) representativeness, (iv) flexibility, (v) simplicity, (vi) acceptability, (vii) stability and (viii) utility. For each attribute, specific indicators were developed and described using quantitative and qualitative methods. Scores for each indicator were as follows: < 60% weak performance; 60–79% moderate performance; ≥80% good performance. Results During 2012–2015, we enrolled and tested 4339 patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and 2869 patients with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) from 11 sentinel sites situated in 5 of 11 provinces. Influenza viruses were detected in 446 (10.3%) samples from patients with ILI and in 151 (5.5%) samples from patients with SARI with higher detection during December–May. Data quality and completeness was > 90% for all evaluated indicators. Other strengths of the system were timeliness, simplicity, stability and utility that scored > 70% each. Representativeness, flexibility and acceptability had moderate performance. It was reported that the ISSS contributed to: (i) a better understanding of the epidemiology, circulating patterns and proportional contribution of influenza virus among patients with ILI or SARI; (ii) acquisition of new key competences related to influenza surveillance and diagnosis; and (iii) continuous education of surveillance staff and clinicians at sentinel sites about influenza. However, due to limited resources no actions were undertaken to mitigate the impact of seasonal influenza epidemics. Conclusions The system performed overall satisfactorily and provided reliable and timely data about influenza circulation in DRC. The simplicity of the system contributed to its stability. A better use of the available data could be made to inform and promote prevention interventions especially among the most vulnerable groups.

scholarly journals Pandemic H1N1 influenza surveillance in Victoria, Australia, April – September, 2009

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (42) ◽  
Author(s):  
J E Fielding ◽  
N Higgins ◽  
J E Gregory ◽  
K A Grant ◽  
M G Catton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practitioner ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Pandemic H1n1 ◽  
First Case ◽  
Influenza A H1n1 ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance System

Victoria was the first Australian state to report widespread transmission of pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza. Notifiable laboratory-confirmed influenza and a general practitioner sentinel surveillance system measuring influenza-like illness (ILI), including laboratory confirmation of influenza as the cause of ILI, were used to assess the pandemic. The pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v virus quickly became the dominant circulating strain and notification rates were highest in children and young adults. Despite a high number of notified cases, comparison of ILI rates suggested the season peaked in late June, was similar in magnitude to 2003 and 2007 and less severe than 1997. The majority of clinical presentations were mild, but one quarter of hospitalised cases required admission to intensive care. Given the low proportion of imported cases in the Victorian pandemic, the rapid increase in cases with no travel history and the low median age of cases notified during the phases of intense surveillance, we suggest there may have been silent importations of pandemic virus into Victoria before the first case was recognised. The usefulness of a general practitioner sentinel surveillance system to provide a comparable assessment of influenza and ILI activity over time was clearly demonstrated, and the need for similar hospital and mortality surveillance systems for influenza in Victoria was highlighted.

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