Prospective surveillance and molecular characterization of seasonal influenza in a university cohort in Singapore.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Southeast Asia is believed to be a potential locus for the emergence of novel influenza strains, and therefore accurate sentinel surveillance in the region is critical. Limited information exists on sentinel surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) in young adults in Singapore in a University campus setting. The objective of the present study was to determine the proportion of ILI caused by influenza A and B viruses in a university cohort in Singapore.

Methodology/principal findings

We conducted a prospective surveillance study from May through October 2007, at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Basic demographic information and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from students and staff with ILI. Reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) and viral isolation

SUBMITTER: Virk RK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3919768 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature