Clinical Profile and Detection of Novel H1N1 Influenza Virus in Children by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction at a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Background: Influenza is among the most important reasons of hospitalization and mortality in children. Compared to other age groups, children are excessively affected by influenza A (H1N1) pandemic. This study was planned to detect and study the clinical profile of H1N1 virus using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: The H1N1 virus was detected in nasopharyngeal or throat swabs in 510 children suspected with influenza such as illness, using rRT-PCR assays as recommended by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol. Patients' biodata and clinical history were recorded. Results: Out of 510 suspected influenza cases, majority (61.9%) were males and of 1-5 years' age (44.5%). H1N1 was positive in 100 (19.6%) cases. 6-10 years' age group was most affected (24.1% H1N1 positive). Clinically, all children had flu-like illness. Conclusions: The present study revealed that the 6-10 years' age group children were highly susceptible to H1N1 infection. Therefore, early intervention results in good outcome in terms of reduced requirement of invasive ventilation and decreased mortality rate.