Influenza Virus Genotypes Circulating In Central Greece During 2012-2014 And Vaccine Strain Match

During the period 2012-2014 in central Greece, influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and B virus genotypes were detected and isolated from individuals with influenza illness. Influenza A(H1N1) and A (H3N2) viruses were the dominant virus type in circulation as it was detected in 9% and 12% of pharyngeal swabs examined by real-time RT-PCR during both seasons, respectively, while type B viruses were detected in only 3% of the samples examined. Influenza activity in central Greece, as was determined by number of reported influenza cases and influenza positive samples detected, was markedly increased in the 2013-14, as compared to the 2012-13 season. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were detected during the 2013-14 season along with A (H3N2) and type B viruses. All type A(H1N1), A (H3N2) and type B influenza isolates analyzed by cell culture reacted to a high titer (> 640) against antisera to vaccine-like viruses of the same period, indicating satisfactory influenza vaccine protection against circulating seasonal and pandemic influenza viral strains.