The Role of Clinical Virology Laboratory and the Clinical Virology Laboratorian in Ensuring Effective Surveillance for Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Points to Consider and Pitfalls to Avoid

Drews, Steven J.

doi:10.1007/s40506-016-0081-9

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 63 publications

(56 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…A shift towards testing using molecular methods including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect respiratory viruses has occurred due to its improved sensitivity and specificity over traditional methods [2, 3]. This shift may have resulted in artificial increases in estimates of disease incidence and prevalence over time [4]. A detailed understanding of changes in testing for respiratory pathogens is needed when interpreting longitudinal data on the burden of ALRI, particularly in children severe enough to warrant admission to hospital.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using record linkage to examine testing patterns for respiratory viruses among children born in Western Australia

et al. 2017

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Changes in respiratory pathogen testing can affect disease burden estimates. Using linked data, we describe changes in respiratory virus testing among children born in Western Australia in 1996-2012. We extracted data on respiratory specimens from these children from birth to age 9 years. We estimated testing rates by age, year, Aboriginal status and geographical location. Predictors of testing among children hospitalised at least once before their 10th birthday were identified using logistic regression. We compared detection methods for respiratory viruses from nasal/nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens by age and year. Of 83 199 virology testing records in 2000-2012, 80% were nasal/NP specimens. Infants aged <1 month had the highest testing rates. Testing rates in all children increased over the study period with considerable yearly fluctuations. Among hospitalised children, premature children <32 weeks gestation had over three times the odds of being tested (95% CI 3·47-4·13) than those born at term. Testing using molecular methods increased from 5% to 87% over the study period. Proportion of positive samples increased from 36·3% to 44·4% (P < 0·01); this change was greatest in children aged 2-9 years. These findings will assist in interpreting results from future epidemiology studies assessing the pathogen-specific burden of disease.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%