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

ABSTRACT

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]