During the influenza pandemic of 2009, the A(H1N1)pdm09, A/H3N2 seasonal and
influenza B viruses were observed to be co-circulating with other respiratory
viruses. To observe the epidemiological pattern of the influenza virus between May
2009-August 2011, 467 nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from children less than
five years of age in the city of Salvador. In addition, data on weather conditions
were obtained. Indirect immunofluorescence, real-time transcription reverse
polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and sequencing assays were performed for
influenza virus detection. Of all 467 samples, 34 (7%) specimens were positive for
influenza A and of these, viral characterisation identified Flu A/H3N2 in 25/34 (74%)
and A(H1N1)pdm09 in 9/34 (26%). Influenza B accounted for a small proportion (0.8%)
and the other respiratory viruses for 27.2% (127/467). No deaths were registered and
no pattern of seasonality or expected climatic conditions could be established. These
observations are important for predicting the evolution of epidemics and in
implementing future anti-pandemic measures.
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