The first epidemiological and virological influenza surveillance in the Republic of Guinea revealed the predominance of influenza A/H3N2 and B Victoria viruses

Abstract

Little is known about respiratory viruses infection in Guinea. Influenza surveillance has not been implemented in Guinea mainly because of the paucity of laboratory infrastructure and capacity. This paper presents the first influenza surveillance data in Guinea. Swabs were obtained from August 2018 through December 2019 at influenza sentinel sites and transported to the Institut National de Santé Publique for testing. Ribonucleic acid was extracted and tested for the presence of influenza A and B by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Positive samples were further characterised to determine the subtypes and lineages of influenza viruses. A total of 862 swabs were collected and tested. Twenty-three per cent of samples tested positive for influenza A and B viruses. Characterisation of positive specimens identified influenza A/H1N1pmd09 (2.5%), influenza A/H3N2 (57.3%), influenza B/Victoria lineage (36.7%) and 7 (3.5%) influenza B with undetermined lineage. Influenza B virus activity clustered in August through November while influenza A/H3N2 displayed two clusters of activities that appeared in May through August and November through December. For the first time in Guinea, the epidemiology, diversity and period of circulation of influenza viruses were studied. The results indicate the predominance and the periods of activities of influenza B Victoria lineage and influenza A/H3N2 which are important information for preventive strategies. It is warranted to extend the influenza surveillance to other parts of Guinea to better understand the epidemiology of the viruses and monitor the emergence of influenza strains with pandemic potential.

Risk Factors for Influenza Disease in Shai-Osudoku and Ningo-Prampram Districts in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

“…Influenza viruses have the proclivity to infect persons in any age group but have the highest frequency of infection in children less than 5 years and adults more than 65 years of age. Rates of serious illness and death are relatively higher among individuals more than 65 years of age, children less than 2 years of age and persons of any age who have underlying medical conditions that can increase the risk of complications from influenza [12]. Where influenza infection is healthcare-associated, it can be a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality among adult patients with adverse outcomes, including secondary pneumonia, prolonged stay and death [13].…”