Cross-reactive antibody response to the pandemic A (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus induced by vaccination with a seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine: a longitudinal study of three influenza seasons in Japan

Dynamic Propagation and Impact of Pandemic Influenza A (2009 H1N1) in Children: A Detailed Review

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the circulating Swine flu virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the unique blending strain of influenza A H1N1 2009 (Swine Flu) is a pandemic affecting several geographical regions, including India. Previous literature indicates that children are "drivers" of influenza pandemics. At present, satisfactory data were not available to accurately estimate the role of children in the spread of influenza (in particular 2009 pandemic influenza). However, the role of children in the spread of pandemics influenza is unclear. Several studies in children have indicated that the immunization program decreased the occurrence of influenza, emphasizing the significance of communities impacted by global immunization programs. This article provides a brief overview on how children are a key contributor to pandemic Influenza A (2009 H1N1) and we would like to draw your attention to the need for a new vaccine for children to improve disease prevention and a positive impact on the community.

Pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09: risk of infection in primary healthcare workers

BACKGROUND

Healthcare workers in primary care are at risk of infection during an influenza pandemic. The 2009 influenza pandemic provided an opportunity to assess this risk.

AIM

To measure the prevalence of seropositivity to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 among primary healthcare workers in Canterbury, New Zealand, following the 2009 influenza pandemic, and to examine associations between seropositivity and participants' sociodemographic characteristics, professional roles, work patterns, and seasonal influenza vaccination status.

DESIGN AND SETTING

An observational study involving a questionnaire and testing for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 seropositivity in all primary healthcare workers in Canterbury, New Zealand between December 2009 and February 2010. Method Participants completed a questionnaire that recorded sociodemographic and professional data, symptoms of influenza-like illness, history of seasonal influenza vaccination, and work patterns. Serum samples were collected and haemagglutination inhibition antibody titres to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 measured.

RESULTS

Questionnaires and serum samples were received from 1027 participants, from a workforce of 1476 (response rate 70%). Seropositivity was detected in 224 participants (22%). Receipt of seasonal influenza vaccine (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2 to 3.3), recall of influenza (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.3 to 2.8), and age ≤45 years (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0 to 1.9) were associated with seropositivity.

CONCLUSION

A total of 22% of primary care healthcare workers were seropositive. Younger participants, those who recalled having influenza, and those who had been vaccinated against seasonal influenza were more likely to be seropositive. Working in a dedicated influenza centre was not associated with an increased risk of seropositivity.

A case report of a patient in whom antibodies against the 2009 pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus have been present since June 1999

A 69-y-old man with a history of hepatitis C since May 1985 and his 6 healthy immediate relatives were examined for hemagglutination inhibition antibodies against 2009 pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus. This patient had a hemagglutination inhibition antibody titer of 640 against 2009 pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus in a serum sample collected on July 4, 1999, and the antibody titers fluctuated between 40 and 320 in serum samples collected after 1999. The fluctuations in hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers against pandemic 2009 influenza A/H1N1 virus were not consistent with his history of seasonal influenza, and our results suggest a relationship to his vaccination with seasonal trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine. This patient as well as three relatives showed cross-reactive antibody titers of 10 or more against 2009 pandemic A/H1N1 influenza virus in serum samples taken after June 1999. From these results we conclude that the cross-reactivity to pandemic 2009 A/H1N1 influenza virus emerged after June 1999.