Low prevalence of influenza viruses and predominance of A(H3N2) virus with respect to SARS-CoV-2 during the 2021-2022 season in Bulgaria.

ABSTRACT: Social distancing, mask-wearing, and travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted the spread of influenza viruses. The objectives of this study were to analyze the pattern of influenza virus circulation with respect to that of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Bulgaria during the 2021-2022 season and to perform a phylogenetic/molecular analysis of the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) sequences of representative influenza strains. Influenza infection was confirmed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 93 (4.2%) of the 2193 patients with acute respiratory illness tested wherein all detected viruses were subtyped as A(H3N2). SARS-CoV-2 was identified in 377 (24.3%) of the 1552 patients tested.

SUBMITTER: Korsun N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10107854 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature