Viral etiology of influenza-like illnesses in Antananarivo, Madagascar, July 2008 to June 2009.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In Madagascar, despite an influenza surveillance established since 1978, little is known about the etiology and prevalence of viruses other than influenza causing influenza-like illnesses (ILIs).

Methodology/principal findings

From July 2008 to June 2009, we collected respiratory specimens from patients who presented ILIs symptoms in public and private clinics in Antananarivo (the capital city of Madagascar). ILIs were defined as body temperature ≥38°C and cough and at least two of the following symptoms: sore throat, rhinorrhea, headache and muscular pain, for a maximum duration of 3 days. We screened these specimens using five multiplex real time Reverse Transcription and/or Polymerase Chain Reaction assays for detection of 14 respiratory viruses. We detected re

SUBMITTER: Razanajatovo NH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3048401 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature