877 Prevalence of Pandemic (H1N1) and Seasonal Influenza Virus Infection in Pediatric Age Group in Southern Iran

Abstract

Background A novel strain of H1N1 Influenza (A/California/7/2009) has been prevalent since April 2009. Epidemiological and clinical studies showed that children at high risk for severe infection. Influenza virus infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in children with acute respiratory infections. Aim To determined the prevalence of new H1N1 and seasonal influenza viruses in children with fever, cough, bronchiolitis, pneumonia wheezing and asthma symptoms. Methods Pharyngeal swabs were taken from 450 children aged (1-60 months) with respiratory tract symptom between June 2009 to March 2012. The specimens were tested using Real Time Reverse Transcriptase PCR. Results Out of 450 samples 130 were tested positive for pandemic H1N1, 75 H3N2 and 15 influenza type B infections. Conclusion According to our results 28.8% of respiratory infection in children in the south of Iran was due to new H1N1, 16.7% H3N2, 3.3% B Influenza viruses during the foregoing pandemic. Our analysis revealed no significant correlation between males and females.