Influenza diagnosis and vaccination in Poland

Abstract

In Poland between several thousand and several million cases of influenza and suspected influenza cases are registered, depending on the epidemic season. A variety of methods are available for the detection of the influenza viruses responsible for respiratory infection starting with the isolation of the virus in chick embryos or in cell lines such as MDCK, VERO, etc., and finishing with a variety of modifications of the classical PCR molecular biology such as PCR multiplex and Real-Time. The most effective way to combat influenza is through vaccination. Regular vaccination is one of the few steps that may be taken to protect individuals, especially in high-risk groups, from the potential and serious complications of influenza. In many countries, including Poland, despite the recommendations, the rate of vaccination against influenza is still low in all age groups. In the epidemic season 2011/2012, the level of distribution of the seasonal influenza vaccines was 4.5% of the population.

Detection of Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Carried Out in the Influenza Project – Monitoring Vaccine Effectiveness (I-MOVE)

“…An understanding of ways by which viruses avoid body's antiviral response may serve as a tool for developing new methods for treatment of respiratory diseases. The integrated epidemiological and virological influenza surveillance system conducted in Poland (Brydak et al 2013;, as well as international projects such as I-MOVE, significantly contribute to the evaluation of the spread of the influenza and other respiratory viruses in the population investigated. Such programs also allow assessing and comparing the epidemiological and virological situation in different countries, which results in a greater awareness of vaccinations, such as against influenza.…”

Foreword

“…Kuchar et al (2013a,b) and Brydak et al (2013) describe the influenza pandemic of the 2009/2010 season in Poland, showing the complexity of ଝ This paper is part of a special issue entitled "Immunopathology of the Respiratory System", guest-edited by Professor Mietek Pokorski. the unabating influenza spread, resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality. The capability of influenza A viruses to undergo genetic reassortment makes them easily adapt to various hosts and generate new pathogenic strains of pandemic potential.…”