Transmission of Influenza Virus From Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers and Inpatients in the Acute...
Human InfluenzaThe epidemiology and transmission dynamics of influenza in hospitals are only poorly understood, particularly with respect to subjects without symptoms of influenza infection (e.g. without fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, weakness, headache, loss of appetite, or myalgia). Knowledge about whether asymptomatic subjects are able to transmit influenza is of major importance. If they do transmit influenza, vaccination of patients and healthcare workers (HCW) before start of the influenza season, the permanent use of masks by HCW during influenza season, and quarantine for previously exposed inpatients may be the only available measures to reduce the number of influenza transmission events from asymptomatic subjects in acute care hospitals. Closure of this knowledge gap would be of major benefit to infection prevention and control recommendations, and may in turn reduce morbidity and mortality associated with influenza in hospitals through improved patient management.
Evaluation of the Alere i Influenza A&B Nucleic Acid Amplification Versus Xpert Flu/RSV
InfluenzaThe rapid and accurate detection of influenza virus in respiratory specimens is required for optimal management of patients with acute respiratory infections. Because of the variability of the symptoms and the numerous other causes of influenza-like illness, the diagnosis of influenza cannot be made on the basis of clinical criteria alone. Thus, rapid influenza diagnostic tests have been developed such as the Alere i Influenza A&B isothermal nucleic acid assay. Investigators prospectively evaluated the performance of the Alere i Influenza A&B assay in comparison with the routine Xpert Flu/RSV assay.
A Study to Determine the Causes and Identify Increases in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) in Mexico...
Influenza Nos or Influenza-like IllnessAcute Respiratory InfectionsThe purpose of this observational study is to characterize individuals in Mexico who seek medical care for influenza-like illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), describe seasonal pattern of the pathological agents associated with ILI and SARI and to identify changes in severity of disease caused by a specific agent.
Financing Strategies of Influenza Vaccination in China
Influenza VaccinesInfluenza6 moreThis trial focuses on influenza vaccination among three recommended groups in China. Data concerning the economic burden of influenza-like illness (ILI), vaccine hesitancy, discrete choice experiment, immunization records and willingness to pay for vaccines will be collected via questionnaires, and the financing strategies of influenza vaccines in China will be further analyzed. Besides, the knowledge, attitude/belief and practice (KAP) of medical staff will also be asked in a supplementary questionnaire.
A Prospective Epidemiological Cohort Study Evaluating Occurrences of Influenza-like Illness.
InfluenzaThis Prospective epidemiological cohort study is being conducted in order to generate epidemiological data in support of Osivax's clinical development of a broad spectrum influenza vaccine based upon the internal influenza nucleoprotein (NP) as a target for immune response.
Virosensor -Based Real-time Diagnosis of Enterovirus 71 and Influenza Virus
Enterovirus 71 and Influenza VirusTo develop a real-time diagnostic technique with Virosensor for Enterovirus 71 and Influenza Virus detection, the investigators conduct a prospective clinical study. In comparison with results from direct sequencing of Enterovirus 71 and Influenza Virus, the investigators evaluate the performance of virosensor , including reproducibility, sensitivity, specificity, and cross-reaction. The potential factors which may interfere with the results would be investigated. With such technique, the investigators hope to make early diagnosis and give Enterovirus 71 and Influenza Virus patients early treatment to reduce the complications and case-fatality rate.
Influenza Burden Assessment in the United Kingdom, 1996-2008
InfluenzaThe study will assess the burden of influenza by age, risk status, vaccination status and influenza subtype, in order to create a complete profile of the burden of influenza-related morbidity and mortality in United Kingdom from 1996 to 2008.
Long-term Outcome and Lung Capacity in Survivors of ARDS Due to Influenza A (H1N1) v2009 The RESPIFLU...
InfluenzaPneumonia5 moreInfluenza A (H1N1) v2009 infection was responsible throughout the world of viral pneumonia and severe pulmonary edema requiring rescue therapeutics such as extracorporeal oxygenation. To date, no data exist on the outcome of patients having developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to influenza A (H1N1) v2009, and in particular in patients with very severe lung injury requiring extracorporeal oxygenation. Although data exist on long-term outcome of survivors of ARDS, the patients included in the observational studies were heterogeneous with various underlying disease. Moreover, no study compared the outcome of survivors of ARDS according to the need or not of extracorporeal oxygenation. We therefore conducted this prospective case-control study to compare the long term pulmonary and extra pulmonary function in 2 groups of patients, one with severe ARDS due to H1N1 requiring extracorporeal oxygenation (case), and the second with ARDS due to H1N1 but without need for extracorporeal oxygenation (control). Eighteen case patients with inclusion and without non-inclusion criteria were selected from our national registry, and 32 controls (with inclusion and exclusion criteria) were matched on age, sex, and body mass index. All 48 patients will be contacted and asked to participate. Patients will be evaluate at least 9 months after ICU discharge, looking for health-related quality of life, measured by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form General Health Survey (SF-36), post traumatic stress disorder, assessed by the Impact of Event Scale Anxiety, and depression, assessed by the Hospital and Depression Score. Pulmonary function testing, including VO2 max test on a static bike will be performed. Muscle weakness will be clinically evaluated by the medical council research (MRC) test, with an additional electromyography if the result of the test was <48/60. A CT-scan will be performed, looking for lung abnormalities (fibrosis...). Albumin and prealbumin will be measured to evaluate the nutritional status. Primary outcome measurement is carbon monoxide diffusion capacity. The primary hypothesis is that patients with extracorporeal oxygenation will have a carbon monoxide diffusion capacity lower than patients without extracorporeal oxygenation (15% difference between groups). Inclusion of 13 patients in the case group and 26 patients in the control group will allow testing this hypothesis with a statistical power of 80% (standard deviation 15%). Secondary outcome measures will be the quality of life, the presence or not of post-traumatic stress disorders, of anxiety and/or depression, the results of pulmonary function testing, of the CT-scan, and of muscle testing. All results will be compared in patients with and without extracorporeal oxygenation.
The Role of Influenza as a Trigger for Acute Myocardial Infarction: a CALIBER Study
Myocardial InfarctionInfluenzaThe purpose of this study is to examine the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (MI) occurring after an influenza-like illness using linked primary care and disease registry databases.
Avian Influenza Studies In Lebanon
Avian InfluenzaVirus DiseasesThe highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus arrived in the Middle East in 2005 and has since established itself in local domestic birds and is now considered endemic in several Middle Eastern countries.Few studies indicate the presence of low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses of the H9 type among Lebanese poultry and wild birds. These studies also provide some evidence suggesting that humans exposed to these sick birds are showing elevated antibody titers against these LPAI H9 viruses. This study will focus on the following objectives: To determine the seroprevalence of AI in poultry-exposed and non-exposed human populations. To identify risk factors associated with AI infections in occupationally-exposed poultry workers. To conduct nation-wide cross-sectional surveillance for AI viruses among domestic birds in low biosecurity farms and backyard flocks.