Surveillance recommendations based on an exploratory analysis of respiratory syncytial virus reports derived from the European Influenza Surveillance System.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important pathogen that can cause severe illness in infants and young children. In this study, we assessed whether data on RSV collected by the European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS) could be used to build an RSV surveillance system in Europe.

Methods

Influenza and RSV data for the 2002-2003 winter season were analysed for England, France, the Netherlands and Scotland. Data from sentinel physician networks and other sources, mainly hospitals, were collected. Respiratory specimens were tested for influenza and RSV mainly by virus culture and polymerase chain reaction amplification.

Results

Data on RSV were entered timely into the EISS database. RSV contributed noticeably to influenza-like illness: in England sen

SUBMITTER: Meerhoff TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1560143 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature