Browsing by Author "Ekaza, E."
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Item Comparing influenza positivity rates by real-time RT-PCR, ELISA and viral culture methods in Côte d'ivoire, West Africa, in 2009(African Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2013-08) Nzussouo, N.T.; Kadjo, H.A.; Coulibaly, D.; Ekaza, E.; Kouakou, B.; N'Golo, D.C.; Tempia, S.; Davis, R.; Dosso, M.; Thompson, M.Detection of circulating influenza strains is a key public health concern especially in limited-resource settings where diagnosis capabilities remain a challenge. As part of multi-site surveillance in Côte d'Ivoire during the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, we had the opportunity to test respiratory specimens collected from patients with acute respiratory illness (ARI). We analyzed and compared the percentage of specimens testing positive using three laboratory methods (rtRT-PCR, ELISA, viral culture). From January to October 2009, 1,356 respiratory specimens were collected from patients with acute respiratory illness and shipped at the WHO NIC (Institut Pasteur) Cote d'Ivoire, and 453 (33%) tested positive for influenza by one or more laboratory methods. The proportion of positive influenza tests did not differ by the sex or age of the patient or presenting symptoms, but did differ depending on the timing and site of specimen collection. Of the 453 positive specimens, 424 (93.6%) were detected by PCR, 199 (43.9%) by ELISA and 40 (8.8%) by viral culture. While seasonal influenza A(H1N1) virus strains were prominent, only four 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) cases were detected. Use of molecular biology method (rtRTPCR) increased sensitivity and diagnosis capabilities. Among all three methods used, rRT-PCR was the most sensitive and rapid method. More capacity building is still required for viral culture. Need to collect denominator data in order to have an accurate estimate of the burden of influenza. There was delayed introduction of pandemic influenza A(H1N1)2009 in Cote d'Ivoire.Item Sentinel surveillance for influenza and other respiratory viruses in Côte d'Ivoire, 2003-2010(Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses, 2012-08) Kadjo, H.A.; Ekaza, E.; Coulibaly, D.; Kouassi, D.P.; Nzussouo, N.T.; Kouakou, B.; Ouattara, A.; Adjogoua, E.V.; Akoua-Koffi, C.G.; Elia, G.A.; Victoir, K.; Bretin-Dosso, M.C.; Mott, J.A.Many countries in Africa have lacked sentinel surveillance systems for influenza and are under-represented in data used for global vaccine strain selection. Objectives We describe 8years of sentinel surveillance data and the contribution of influenza and other viruses to medically attended influenza-like illness (ILI) in Côte d'Ivoire. Methods Sentinel surveillance was established in 2003. Nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens and epidemiologic data are collected from persons of all ages presenting with ILI at sentinel sites. Respiratory specimens have been tested for influenza using various viral and molecular diagnostic methods. A subset of 470 specimens collected from children aged 0-5years were tested for multiple respiratory viruses using RT-PCR. Results From 2003 to 2010, 5074 NP specimens were collected from patients with ILI. Overall, 969/5074 (19%) of these specimens tested positive for influenza. Seasonal influenza A(H1N1) viruses predominated during 5years and influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominated during 3years. Influenza B viruses cocirculated with influenza A viruses during each year from 2004 to 2010. Seasonal peaks in influenza circulation were observed during the months of May, June, and October, with the largest peak corresponding with the primary rainfall season. Of 470 specimens collected from children under aged 5 who were tested for multiple respiratory viruses, a viral respiratory pathogen was detected in 401/470 (85%) of specimens. Commonly detected viruses were RSV (113 of 470 specimens, 24%), rhinoviruses (85/470, 18%), influenza (77/470, 16%), and parainfluenza (75/470, 16%). Conclusion In Côte d'Ivoire, there is a significant annual contribution of influenza and other respiratory viruses to medically attended ILI. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.