Burden of pediatric influenza A virus infection post swine-flu H1N1pandemic in Egypt

Objectne:To screen children with influenza like illness or with symptoms of acute respiratory tract infections for influenza A virus infection-post swine flu pandemic era-using rapid influenza diagnostic tests.Methods:During two year,(2010&2011),1200 children with influenza like illness or acute respiratory tract infections(according to World Health Organization criteria)were recruited.Their ages ranged from 2-60 months.Nasopharyngeal aspirates specimens were collected from all children for rapid influenza A diagnostic test.Results:Influenza A virus rapid test was positive in 47.5%of the children;the majority(89.6%)were presented with lower respiratory tract infections.Respiratory rate and temperature were significantly higher among positive rapid influenza test patients.Conclusions:Influenza A virus infection is still a major cause of respiratory tract infections in Egyptian children.It should be considered in all cases with cough and febrile episodes and influenza like symptoms even post swine flu pandemic.