Influenza viruses in adult dogs raised in rural and urban areas in the state of São Paulo, Brazil / Incidência do vírus influenza em cães adultos criados em áreas rural e urbana do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

In 1970, searching for the interspecies transmission of influenza viruses led to the first study on influenza viruses in domestic animals. Birds and mammals, including human beings, are their natural hosts; however, other animals may also play a role in the virus epidemiology. The objective was to investigate the incidence of influenza viruses in adult dogs raised in rural (9, 19.56%) and urban (37, 80.43%) areas in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Dog serum samples were examined for antibodies to influenza viruses by the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test using the corresponding antigens from the circulating viruses in Brazil. Dogs from rural areas presented antibodies to influenza A H3N2, and influenza A H7N7 and H3N8. In rural areas, dog sera displayed mean titers as 94.37, 227.88, 168.14, 189.62 HIU/25 µL for subtypes H1N1, H3N2, H7N7, H3N8, respectively. About 84% and 92% of dogs from urban areas exhibited antibodies to human influenza A H1N1 and H3N2, respectively, with statistical difference at p < 0.05 between the mean titers of antibodies to H1N1 and H3N2. About 92% and 100% were positive for H7N7 and H3N8, respectively. In dogs from urban areas, the mean titers of antibodies against influenza A H1N1, H3N2, H7N7 and H3N8, were 213.96, 179.42, 231.76, 231.35 HIU/25 µL respectively. The difference among them was not statistically significant at p > 0.05. In conclusion, these dogs were positive for both human and equine influenza viruses. The present study suggests the first evidence that influenza viruses circulate among dogs in Brazil.

A transmissão interespecífica do vírus influenza é relatada em estudo sobre influenza com animais domésticos desde 1970. Pássaros e mamíferos, incluindo o homem, são seus hospedeiros naturais, porém outros animais podem participar da sua epidemiologia. Foi investigada a incidência do vírus influenza em cães adultos criados em zonas rural (9, 19,56%) e urbana (37, 80,43%), do Estado de São Paulo. Os soros dos cães foram examinados pelo teste de inibição da hemaglutinação (IH), usando antígeno dos vírus influenza circulantes no Brasil. Nos cães rurais foram detectados títulos médios de 94,37, 227,88, 168,14 e 189,62 UIH/25 mL (unidades inibidoras de hemaglutinação/25 mL) para os subtipos H1N1, H3N2, H7N7, H3N8 de vírus influenza A, respectivamente, com diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p<0,05) entre as médias de títulos de anticorpos contra H1N1 e H3N2. Cerca de 84% e 92% dos cães urbanos responderam aos vírus influenza A humano H1N1 e H3N2, respectivamente e destes 92% e 100% foram positivos para os vírus eqüinos H7N7 e H3N8, respectivamente. Para esses cães as médias de títulos de anticorpos para os vírus influenza A H1N1, H3N2, H7N7 e H3N8 foram 213,96, 179,42, 231,76 e 231,35UIH/25 mL, respectivamente. As diferenças entre as médias não foram estatisticamente significativas (p>0,05). Conclui-se que os cães apresentaram positividade para ambos vírus influenza humano e equino. O presente estudo sugere, pela primeira vez, evidências de que há circulação do vírus influenza em cães, no Brasil.

Recommended composition of influenza virus vaccines for use in 2011-2012, northern hemisphere

In February, 2011, WHO has recommended viruses for inclusion in influenza vaccines for the influenza season [2011-2012] in the northern hemisphere. These recommendations are based on the annual antigenic and genetic analyses of circulating influenza viruses shared with WHO through the Global Influenza Surveillance Network [GISN]

The biotherapics Influenzinum and Oscilococcinum in the treatment of influenza virus flu. / The biotherapics Influenzinum and Oscilococcinum in the treatment of influenza virus flu.

Introduction: The influenza virus flu is a widespread illness which is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. About 20% of children and 5% of adults are infected with this virus every year. The disease is highly contagious and its transmission occurs by saliva particles of the infected person, expelled by breathing, talking and coughing [1]. Flu pandemics are generally caused by the appearance of a new subtype of the virus in humans, which occurs as a result of the existing flu in animal species transmitted to humans [2]. Despite the fact there are antiviral drugs, the virus develops mutations, creating resistance to these drugs in few days. Thus, the development of new therapies, including homeopathy, that can prevent and/or treat this disease becomes increasingly necessary. In this scenario, biotherapics appear as drugs that are made from biological products, such as secretions, tissues, organs whose compounding follows the homeopathic pharmacopeia. Objective: This study is a literature review on the treatment of flu with biotherapics used in clinical medicine, namely Influenzinum and Oscilococcinum. Method: Studies on the prescription of biotherapics for the prevention and cure of the flu as well as literature about the history and evolution of Homeopathy were reviewed in the present work. Influenzinum is a biotherapic made from the influenza vaccine from Pasteur Laboratory, while Oscillococcinum is obtained from the lysate of the liver and heart of the goose Anas barbaries. Results: Preliminary results showed that both medicines are widely used in clinical medicine. Influenzinum 9CH is prescribed for flu prevention and treatment, while Oscilococcinum is more used to reduce the severe symptoms in patients who already have the flu. Conclusion: Based on these results, it is possible to say that Influenzinum has a very important role in the prevention and cure of the influenza and Oscilococcinnum is useful in the relief of the symptoms caused by this disease.

Emerging influenza virus: a global threat.

Since 1918, in?uenza virus has been one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality, especially among young children. Though the commonly circulating strain of the virus is not virulent enough to cause mortality, the ability of the virus genome to mutate at a very high rate may lead to the emergence of a highly virulent strain that may become the cause of the next pandemic. Apart from the influenza virus strain circulating in humans (H1N1 and H3N2), the avian influenza H5N1 H7 and H9 virus strains have also been reported to have caused human infections, H5N1 H7 and H9 have shown their ability to cross the species barrier from birds to humans and further replicate in humans. This review addresses the biological and epidemiological aspects of influenza virus and efforts to have a control on the virus globally.

EMRO NICs participate in composition of influenza virus vaccines, 2008-2009

During the last three years [2005-2007], National Influenza Centre [NIC], Egypt isolated a total of 109 influenza viruses out of 3,979 specimens collected [a positivity rate of 2.7 %]. The predominant influenza virus strain was Flu B [N=95, 87.2%]. Influenza A [H3N2] constitued 11% [12 isolates] and influenza A [H1N1] constituted 1.8% [2 isolates only]. The NIC, Morocco, isolated influenza viruses in 98 [8.8%] out of 1,120 specimens tested. Isolated viruses included 64 [65.3%] isolates of influenza A [H3N2], 27 [27.6%] of A [H1N1] and 7 [7.1%] of Flu B. The NIC, Oman isolated 11 influenza viruses out of 195 specimens [5.6% positivity rate]: 7 [63.6%] were influenza B and 4 [36.4%] were influenza A [H3N2]

Segurança, imunogenicidade e eficácia da vacina contra o vírus influenza em crianças / Safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of influenza vaccine in children

OBJETIVOS: Revisar a imunogenicidade, segurança e eficácia das vacinas trivalentes inativadas e atenuadas contra o vírus influenza em crianças FONTE DOS DADOS: Pesquisa na literatura médica nas bases MEDLINE, LILACS e Biblioteca Cochrane. Artigos de revisão, ensaios clínicos e epidemiológicos foram selecionados para análise no período de 1990 a 2006 SíNTESE DOS DADOS: A influenza é uma doença infecciosa universal e sazonal que incide em todos os grupos etários e apresenta epidemias anuais caracterizadas por excesso de morbidade e mortalidade. Os idosos e pessoas com comorbidades são grupos de alto risco para influenza grave. Recentemente, foi comprovado que os lactentes saudáveis apresentam morbidade semelhante aos outros grupos de risco, e, portanto, têm indicação para a vacinação contra influenza, que se constitui na ação mais efetiva para a prevenção da infecção por vírus influenza. A segurança das vacinas contra influenza em crianças parece ser adequada, com reações adversas mais observadas do tipo local ou febre. A imunogenicidade em crianças varia de 30 a 90 por cento, sendo diretamente proporcional à idade. A eficácia depende do objetivo primário, podendo ser semelhante ao placebo ou chegar até 91 por cento de eficácia contra infecção comprovada por influenza A. As crianças em idade escolar exercem importante papel na disseminação do vírus influenza, e estudos populacionais mostram imunidade de rebanho. CONCLUSÕES:As vacinas trivalentes contra influenza, inativadas ou atenuadas, são pouco reatogênicas e apresentam imunogenicidade e eficácia variáveis em crianças. A vacinação é efetiva para prevenção de infecção por vírus influenza e para redução de morbidade. Estudos mais potentes de eficácia e segurança em lactentes ainda são desejáveis.

Seroepidemiology of influenza in Pune, India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Influenza viruses cause frequent epidemics and periodic pandemics throughout the world due to antigenic variations. Serological data can be useful to determine the disease burden and population immunity and for predicting the likelihood of occurrence and potential severity of subsequent epidemics. We undertook a serological analysis of antibodies against ten influenza virus strains in Pune, India. METHODS: Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test was done on 619 sera collected between 1997-99 during an age-stratified serosurvey in Pune, India against 10 strains of influenza virus. Overall prevalence and spectrum of HI antibodies against these strains was determined. RESULTS: Antibodies to at least one influenza virus strain was seen in 62 per cent (116/188) of the sera from individuals in the age group 5-15 yr, 77 per cent (85/111) in sera from 16-25 yr, 78 per cent (93/119) from 26-35 yr, 84 per cent (77/92) from 36-45 yr and 93 per cent (101/109) in sera from individuals aged > 45 yr. The antibody spectrum progressively increased with age. Antibodies to the pandemic strain A(H2N2) were absent in the age groups < 25 yr. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The results indicate that influenza virus infection occurs in a large proportion of individuals in our community and may be responsible for a considerable amount of morbidity and mortality. The study also demonstrates the absence of antibody to A/Singapore/1/57 (H2N2) strain in younger persons < 25 yr of age. The potential of its reintroduction cannot be ruled out as H2 variants are circulating in wild birds and population immunity in humans is decreasing.

Evaluation of influenza virus detection by direct enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and conventional methods in asthmatic patients.

Throat gargle specimens of fifty-seven acute asthmatic patients (age range 18-40 years) were collected for the study. Thirty-four patients were found influenza virus positive in acute asthma cases. Influenza virus was isolated by conventional culture method on MDCK cell-line and by enzyme immunoassay test (EIA). The EIA negative specimens were retested after virus amplification on MDCK cell-line. Virus shedding and virus surface receptors assay was carried out to determine influenza virus titre. Airway functions were measured by spirometry. A good relationship was observed between the degree of airflow limitation and presence of influenza virus infection (p < 0.001; r = 0.85). A comparable difference in % FEV1 was observed in relation to the symptoms. The patients with greater viral antigen load had lower % FEV1. Two specimens, which were EIA negative, turned out to be positive after amplification on MDCK cell-line. The sensitivity was 98% and specificity was 100%. It was concluded that EIA method is a useful diagnostic tool as it detects influenza viral antigen quickly as compared to conventional methods.

Vacuna antivirus influenza / Influenza antivirus vaccine

En el mes de marzo se inició en Chile la campaña de vacunación contra virus influenza con la finalidad de disminuir la morbimortalidad causada por este agente. Se describe a continuación las características e indicaciones de la vacuna antigripal inactivada de virus fraccionados (Vaxigrip)

Avaliaçäo da imunogenicidade das cepas A(H1N1), A(H3N2) e B do virus influenza, componentes da vacina trivalente contra gripe produzida pelo Instituto Butantan / Evaluation of immunogenicity of the influenza virus A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and B strains in a trivalent influenza vaccine

A resposta imune mediada por anticorpos específicos contra as cepas A/SP/1/77 (H3N2), A/SP/1/78 (H1N1) e B/Engl./847/73 do virus influenza foi analisada pelas técnicas de inibiçäo da hemaglutinaçäo (IH) e hemólise radial simples (HRS). Para tanto, utilizou-se soros de indivíduos antes e após a inoculaçäo de duas doses de vacina trivalente inativada contra a gripe, produzida pelo Instituto Butantan, composta das referidas cepas virais. Aumentos significativos de anticorpos ocorreram nos soros dos indivíduos vacinados e através da análise estatistica do x2 (corrigido) e do Coeficiente de Associaçäo de Yule (C.Yule), demonstrou-se a diferença das respostas de anticorpos entre, antes e depois da vacinaçäo dos indivíduos. Para a cepa A/SP/1/77 (H3N2) verificou-se a significância de P << 0,001 e P < 0,01 e C. Yule = 0,83 e 0,70; para a cepa A/SP/1/78 (H1N1) a significância foi de P << 0,01 e P < 0,02 e C. Yule = 0,74 e 0,90 e para a cepa B/Engl./847/73 a significância foi de P < 0,10 e P < 0,01 e C. Yule = 0,52 e 1,0. Foi observada ainda, maior sensibilidade no teste de HRS para detecçäo de anticorpos contra o virus influenza, principalmente com a cepa do tipo B

Vacina inativada contra gripe trivalente: estudo comparativo da resposta imunitária pelos métodos de inibiçäo de hemaglutinaçäo e da hemólise radial simples / Inactivated vaccine against trivalent influenza: comparative study of immune response by hemaglutination inhibition and simple radial hemolysis methods

A vacina inativada contra gripe, trivalente, preparada no Instituto Butantan, contendo 200 unidades hemaglutinantes de cada uma das cepas de virus Influenza A/SP/1/80 (H3N2), A/SP/1/78 (H1N1) e B/England/847/73, foi administrada em 110 voluntários humanos adultos, sendo que 62 receberam uma dose de vacina e 48 duas doses, com intervalo de 21 dias. A resposta de anticorpos específicos para influenza foi analisada comparativamente pelos testes de Inibiçäo da Hemaglutinaçäo (1H) e Hemólise Radial Simples (HRS). Ocorreu aumento significativo do teor de anticorpos nos indivíduos vacinados, correspondente a um aumento de 4 vezes ou mais nos títulos obtidos pelo teste IH e a um aumento de 3,0 mm ou maior no diâmetro das zonas de hemólise pelo teste HRS. Os métodos demonstraram correlaçäo satisfatória entre si