Molecular Genotyping of Human InfluenzaViruses in Central Greece during the Period2012-2014 and Vaccine Strain Match

Title: Molecular Genotyping of Human Influenza Viruses in Central Greece during the Period 2012-2014 and Vaccine Strain Match Molecular Genotyping of Human Influenza Viruses in Central Greece during the Period 2012-2014 and Vaccine Strain Match. Background: Influenza virus activity can cause significant burden to the community, associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to complications from influenza illness. This is the first preliminary study of influenza virus molecular epidemiology in central Greece. Methods and findings: In central Greece, during the period 2012-2014, from October-April each year, influenza A (H1N1) and A (H3N2) viruses were detected and were the dominant viral subtypes associated with influenza illness. A total of 865 respiratory samples were screened by real-time RT-PCR during the two seasons and 9% and 12% of influenza A (H1N1) and A (H3N2) viral genotypes were detected, respectively. Influenza activity was markedly increased in the 2013-2014, as compared to the 2012-2013 season, with the detection of A (H1N1) pdm09 viruses along with A (H3N2) and B viruses. All A(H1N1), A (H3N2) and B influenza viral isolates analyzed showed similarity to vaccine-like viruses of the same period, both antigenically and genetically. Conclusions: Our findings from this preliminary study underline the importance for laboratory surveillance of influenza activity in the community and its contribution to improved influenza illness management and influenza vaccine formulation.