At least one respiratory virus was detected in 52% of 940 samples from outpatients with influenza-like illness, with the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain and rhinoviruses being the most frequent.
Observational (n=940)
Yes
During the 2009-2010 pandemic season in NYC, the 2009 H1N1 strain and rhinoviruses accounted for the majority of identified viral respiratory infections in outpatients.
BACKGROUND: 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.
Tokarz et al. (2011) conducted an observational in Influenza-like illness (n=940). Respiratory virus infection was evaluated on Detection of respiratory viruses by MassTag PCR. At least one respiratory virus was detected in 52% of 940 samples from outpatients with influenza-like illness, with the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain and rhinoviruses being the most frequent.