Korean J Infect Dis.
1997 Jul;29(4):263-270.
Epidemiological and Clinical Analysis of Influenza and Viruses Isolation during Winter of 1996-1997
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Clinical Pathology, Sung Kyun Kwan University, College of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
- 2Department of Pediatrics, Sung Kyun Kwan University, College of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
- 3Division of Respiratory Viruses, National Institute of Health, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Although influenza has been a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, we have few data regarding the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of influenza activity in Korea. Since an outbreak of influenza was recognized during winter of 1996-1997, we analyzed the epidemiological and clinical features of influenza activity in the hospital setting.
METHODS
All clinical specimens requested for isolation of influenza virus at Samsung Medical Center from October 1996 to April 1997 were included. Mardin- Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line was used for virus culture. Isolated viruses were confirmed with immunostain followed by subtyping. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were reviewed retrospectively.
RESULTS
Ninety-eight influenza viruses were isolated from 461 patients (21.3%). Influenza A and B virus was isolated from 58 (54 children and 4 adults) and 40 pediatric patients, respectively. One of 31 influenza A viruses were confirmed as A/Wuhan/359/95-like strain and 5 of 12 influenza B viruses were confirmed as B/Guangdong/8/97-like strains. Two distinctive peaks of influenza activity were recognized and the most common age of patients was less than 1 year for influenza A, and 3 to 5 years for influenza B. Common lower respiratory infections were pneumonia followed by croup, bronchiolitis and laryngitis.
CONCLUSION
We analyzed the epidemiological and clinical features of influenza activity during winter of 1996-1997. Although this study was performed not in the community but in the hospital setting, the morbidity caused by influenza may not be low in Korea. Therefore, nationwide surveillance for influenza activity is warranted.
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