Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Molecular Detection and Clinical Profile of Influenza Virus among the Pediatric Population in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karnataka
Rakhi Dixit, S. Mahesh Kumar, M.L. Shriharsha Hegde, R. Shobha Medegark, Jagadeesh Ambiga and Sangeetha Solomon Dcruze
Page: 487-490 | Received 05 Aug 2024, Published online: 13 Sep 2024
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Abstract
The study aimed to determine the positivity and common clinical features of the influenza virus among hospitalized pediatric patients. The investigation was conducted from December 2022 to November 2023, during which 310 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from pediatric patients admitted with acute respiratory symptoms (categorized as Category C according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, MOHFW guidelines). These samples were processed following standard protocols. Viral RNA was extracted and real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR) was performed to detect the presence of the influenza virus. Subsequent rRT‐PCR assays were conducted for subtyping influenza virus types A and B. The clinical histories of the patients were also documented. Out of the 310 samples, 23 (7.42%) tested positive for influenza virus A or B. Further subtyping revealed that 03/310 (0.97%) were positive for A H1N1, 17/310 (5.48%) were positive for A H3N2 and 03/310 (0.97%) were positive for B Victoria. Among the positive influenza cases, fever was the most prominent clinical feature observed in all patients. Other common clinical symptoms included cough, breathlessness and sore throat. The findings underscored the importance of early detection, prompt treatment and effective management of complications to reduce the burden of influenza epidemics. At the public health level, the study highlighted the need for continuous surveillance to monitor any resurgence of the infection that could potentially lead to further epidemics or pandemics. The unpredictable nature of influenza virus evolution continues to pose challenges to vaccine strategies and pandemic preparedness, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and vigilance in addressing this significant health threat.
How to cite this article:
Rakhi Dixit, S. Mahesh Kumar, M.L. Shriharsha Hegde, R. Shobha Medegark, Jagadeesh Ambiga and Sangeetha Solomon Dcruze. Molecular Detection and Clinical Profile of Influenza Virus among the Pediatric Population in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karnataka.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.10.487.490
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.10.487.490