Overview of seasonal influenza and recommended vaccine during the 2016/2017 season in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses whose epidemic and pandemic have resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. The annual epidemic of influenza results in an estimated 3-5 million cases of severe illness and about 290000-650000 deaths globally. The vaccination program has been successful to control the epidemic however, it further needs improvement. This study was aimed to investigate the types of influenza viruses prevailing in Nepal during 2016 and, to match the recommended vaccine for use during the same season. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out at National Public Health Laboratory, Kathmandu, Nepal for the period of one year (Jan-Dec 2016). A total of 1683 throat swab specimen was collected from patients of different age group referred to NPHL for influenza testing. The specimen was primarily stored at 4 C and processed using ABI 7500 RT PCR system for the identification of influenza viruses. Results: Of the total 1683 patients suspected of having influenza infection, influenza viruses were isolated from 614 (36.5%) patients with male predominance. The highest number of infection was caused by influenza A/H3 strain (51.0%) followed by influenza B (40.4%) and influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 (8.6%). Two peaks of infection were observed during the year 2016. The widely available trivalent vaccine during the season did not match the prevailing strain because of the dominance of B/Yamagata lineage over B/Victoria lineage. Conclusion:We concluded that Nepal experiences semiannual cycle of influenza infection, firstly during the month of January-February and secondly during the month of July-August. The vaccine to be introduced in Nepal need to be decided by national authority based on prevailing influenza types to confer effective immunization.

Molecular characterization of influenza virus circulating in Nepal in the year 2019

“…A study conducted by Adhikari et.al also reported similar finding according to which pandemic influenza AH1N1 dominated in the year 2009 in Nepal 17 . However, different from previous study by Upadhayay et al and Jha et al which showed influenza A/H3 was responsible for 60.1% and 51.0% of the total infection in year 2014 and 2016 in Nepal respectively 8 , 15 . According to a study from tropical Asia, influenza A predominated over influenza B between 2007 and 2013, which is consistent with our study 18 .…”

“…According to the World Health Organization, the H1N1pdm09 or H3N2 subtype of the influenza A virus has been co-circulating in the European region throughout the 2018–2019 flu season 14 . However, either influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 or A(H3N2) dominated (2014/15–2016/17) of influenza season 15 . Every season, a new strain or genetic variation of the influenza virus reemerges, bringing with it novel antigenic features that may reduce vaccine-induced protection due to strain mismatches between the vaccine and circulating strains.…”

India’s Neighbourhood Vaccine Diplomacy During COVID-19 Pandemic: Humanitarian and Geopolitical Perspectives

“…(PTI, 2020b). Thus, the vaccine ‘Covishield’ developed by India was hailed as the ‘Sanjivini Buti’ – the life-saving intervention for Nepal during this difficult time, according to Jha (2021). With its dwindling influence in the region, India’s media reported that China had begun pressuring Nepal to accept China’s vaccine without verifying its efficacy and efficiency.…”

Akut Solunum Yolu Enfeksiyonu Olan Hastalarda Hızlı İnfluenza Tanı Testi ile İnfluenza A ve B Antijenlerinin Araştırılması

“…Dünya sağlık örgütü 2018-2019 sezonuna influenza A virüsünün hâkim olduğunu bildirdi 15 . İnfluenzanın mevsimsel dağılımını araştıran bir çalışmada Temmuz-Ağustos aylarında enfeksiyonun çoğundan influenza B sorumluyken, Ocak-Şubat aylarında İnfluenza A' nın daha baskın olduğu raporlandı 16 . Bizim çalışmamızda da influenza hızlı tanı testi pozitif örneklerin tamamında influenza A tespit edildi.…”