Early phase medical system review in Kobe 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic

We discuss the efficacy 3 pandemic influenza, measures planned against an anticipated outbreak. First was an exclusive influenza outpatient clinic. Second was a medical call center for febrile illness subjects needing with fever clinic recommendation. The last was isolation. Before the outbreak, we had thought that all confirmed or suspected new influenza case should be quarantined. May 2009 brought the first A1/H1 pandemic influenza outbreak to Kobe, Japan. After the first infection announcement, call center and fever clinic consultations skyrocketed, filling all 55 designated Kobe hospital bed within 48 hours. Inquiries at call centers increased more rapidly than numbers of subjects rushing to fever clinics. Just after designated hospital beds were filled, medical service restrictions were rapidly relaxed. Our experiences suggest that compulsory hospitalization broke down quickest in the fever case overflow, so medical call centers may be crucial in preventing fever clinic overflows by subjects with fever of unknown origin not recommended to consult fever clinics. Those with severe influenza symptoms should be given priority in hospitalization and flexible policies are recommended.     

2009年甲型H1N1流感大流行重症病例的治疗

本文就呼吸支持、药物治疗（抗病毒药物、皮质类固醇、抗菌药物、乌司他丁）、血浆疗法与营养支持及抗凝疗法等方面介绍了重症甲型H1N1流感的救治经验。随着病例的增加,这些经验对临床医生有很好的指导意义。     

四川省2009甲型H1N1流感的流行病学特征

目的分析四川地区甲型H1N1流感流行病学特点,为今后新发传染病的防控提供参考。方法回顾性分析我院2009年收治的271例甲型H1N1流感病例的来源、年龄及时间分布。结果 1.271例甲型H1N1流感病例,男∶女为1.09∶1,随着病情加重发病年龄逐渐增加,病程亦逐渐延长;2.轻症患者均无基础疾病,危重症患者基础疾病较重症患者多且重;3.绝大多数患者年龄在10~30岁（211例,77.87%）,轻症及重症中无≤2岁及≥65岁的患者,危重症中≥65岁者2例;4.疫情早期（5~9月）患者均为轻症,以输入病例为主（52例,19.19%）,疫情后期以本土暴发病例为主（9月以后）有危重症出现。结论新发传染病疫情早期以轻症、输入病例为主,后期随着社区聚集性疫情,有重危症患者出现;患者年龄、基础疾病是该疾病严重程度的重要影响因素。     

Acute pancreatitis associated with H1N1 influenza during 2009 pandemic: A case report

The relationship between viral infections and acute pancreatitis (AP) is not well-defined and universally accepted. Although an association is debated due to lack of solid evidence, a vast number of case reports suggest a possible interrelation. Influenza A virus is one of the most common infectious pathogens in humans but the incidence of subclinical or overt AP during the course of flu is unknown. We report a case of AP, which occurs shortly after a H1N1 infection during the pandemic in 2009.     

Efficacy and safety of vaccination against pandemic 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus among patients with rheumatic diseases

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of vaccination against pandemic H1N1 virus in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared with healthy controls.

Methods

The study population comprised 41 RA patients, 21 SLE patients, 17 PsA patients, 15 AS patients, and 25 healthy controls. All were vaccinated using the Novartis MF59‐adjuvanted H1N1v monovalent influenza vaccine. The immunogenicity of the vaccine was assessed on day 1 and again 4 weeks later by hemagglutination inhibition assay. Geometric mean titers and seroconversion rates were calculated for each group. The safety of the vaccine was evaluated using the 28‐joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) for RA and PsA, the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI).

Results

The proportion of baseline protective levels of antibodies against H1N1 was similar in all but the AS group, in which it was lower. The geometric mean titers increased significantly in all 5 groups. A substantial proportion of patients and controls responded to the vaccine. The healthy controls demonstrated a better response than each of the other groups: 84% versus 56% for RA, 67% for SLE, 59% for PsA, and 53% for AS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified RA and PsA as parameters of significantly lower response. The DAS28, BASDAI, and SLEDAI remained unchanged after vaccination.

Conclusion

Vaccination against pandemic H1N1 using an adjuvanted H1N1v monovalent influenza is safe and induced an appropriate response in patients with RA, SLE, PsA, and AS.     

福建省甲型H1N1流感血清流行病学调查

目的了解甲型H1N1流感(甲流)大流行前后福建省人群甲流血清流行病学特征。方法采集2008年甲流流行前血清标本800例和2010年1-4月甲流流行后不同地区血清标本1250例,以血凝抑制试验方法(HI)检测血清HI抗体。结果甲流流行后人群HI抗体≥1∶10和≥1∶40的阳性率分别从流行前的6.5%和0.63%上升为52.72%和36.24%（P<0.01）,HI抗体几何平均滴度（GMT）从5.39上升为18.26（P<0.01）。流行后各年龄组人群HI抗体都显著高于流行前,以6-17岁为最高,HI抗体≥1∶10和≥1∶40的阳性率及GMT分别达到74.02%、57.22%和38.15,显著高于其他年龄组（P<0.01）。男女性之间HI抗体差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。福州市人群HI抗体水平显著高于其他设区市。在接种甲流疫苗的人群中,HI抗体≥1∶10和≥1∶40的阳性率分别为83.84%和64.62%,GMT为46.62,分别显著高于未接种疫苗人群的32.72%, 18%和7.48（P<0.01）。结论甲流流行后福建省人群HI抗体显著提高,已形成一定的免疫屏障,但应加强重点年龄组人群疫苗接种,防控甲流流行出现反弹。     

Transmission of influenza A(H1N1) 2009 pandemic viruses in Australian swine

Please cite this paper as: Deng et al. (2012). Transmission of influenza A(H1N1) 2009 pandemic viruses in Australian swine. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(3), e42–e47. Background Swine have receptors for both human and avian influenza viruses and are a natural host for influenza A viruses. The 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic (H1N1pdm) virus that was derived from avian, human and swine influenza viruses has infected pigs in various countries. Objectives To investigate the relationship between the H1N1pdm viruses isolated from piggery outbreaks in Australia and human samples associated with one of the outbreaks by phylogenetic analysis, and to determine whether there was any reassortment event occurring during the human‐pig interspecies transmission. Methods Real‐time RT‐PCR and full genome sequencing were carried out on RNA isolated from nasal swabs and/or virus cultures. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the Geneious package. Results The influenza H1N1pdm outbreaks were detected in three pig farms located in three different states in Australia. Further analysis of the Queensland outbreak led to the identification of two distinct virus strains in the pigs. Two staff working in the same piggery were also infected with the same two strains found in the pigs. Full genome sequence analysis on the viruses isolated from pigs and humans did not identify any reassortment of these H1N1pdm viruses with seasonal or avian influenza A viruses. Conclusions This is the first report of swine infected with influenza in Australia and marked the end of the influenza‐free era for the Australian swine industry. Although no reassortment was detected in these cases, the ability of these viruses to cross between pigs and humans highlights the importance of monitoring swine for novel influenza infections.     

Shoenfeld's syndrome after pandemic influenza A/H1N1 vaccination

Recently, reports have suggested grouping different autoimmune conditions that are triggered by external stimuli as a single syndrome called autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). This syndrome is characterized by the appearance of myalgia, myositis, muscle weakness, arthralgia, arthritis, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment and memory loss, and the possible emergence of a demyelinating autoimmune disease caused by systemic exposure after vaccines and adjuvants. In the current study, the authors reported the first Brazilian case of a woman who developed ASIA, which was characterized by arthralgia, changes in inflammatory markers, and chronic fatigue, after the pandemic anti-influenza A/H1N1 vaccine without causing any other rheumatic disease, and it had a positive outcome.     

Socio‐demographic differences in opinions about 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and seasonal influenza vaccination and disease among adults during the 2009–2010 influenza season

Background In April 2009, a novel influenza A virus emerged in the United States. By the end of July, influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent (2009 H1N1) vaccine had been developed, licensed, and recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Initial target groups for vaccination were identified and the first vaccine was publicly available in early October 2009. Objective This study examines socio‐demographic differences in opinions about 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) (pH1N1) and seasonal influenza disease and vaccines and the association with receipt of influenza vaccinations during the 2009–2010 influenza season. Changes in opinions over the course of the pH1N1 pandemic were also examined. Methods Data from the 2009 National H1N1 Flu Survey (NHFS) were analyzed. The NHFS was a CDC‐sponsored telephone survey initiated in response to the 2009 pH1N1 pandemic to obtain weekly within‐season estimates of vaccination coverage, opinions, and other information. Results Opinions about influenza vaccine and disease varied significantly by race/ethnicity, income, and education level. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusted 2009 H1N1 vaccination coverage was most strongly associated with opinions about the effectiveness of the vaccine and personal risk of disease, varying from 7 to 11% among adults who believed the vaccine to have low effectiveness and themselves at low risk of influenza, to 50–53% among those who thought vaccine effectiveness to be high and themselves at high risk of influenza. Conclusion Improving communication about personal risk and the effectiveness of influenza vaccines may improve vaccination coverage. The findings of difference in opinions could be used to target communication.     

Transmission parameters of the A/H1N1 (2009) influenza virus pandemic: a review

Please cite this paper as: Boëlle P‐Y et al. (2011) Transmission parameters of the A/H1N1 (2009) influenza virus pandemic: a review. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 5(5), 306–316. Background The new influenza virus A/H1N1 (2009), identified in mid‐2009, rapidly spread over the world. Estimating the transmissibility of this new virus was a public health priority. Methods We reviewed all studies presenting estimates of the serial interval or generation time and the reproduction number of the A/H1N1 (2009) virus infection. Results Thirteen studies documented the serial interval from household or close‐contact studies, with overall mean 3 days (95% CI: 2·4, 3·6); taking into account tertiary transmission reduced this estimate to 2·6 days. Model‐based estimates were more variable, from 1·9 to 6 days. Twenty‐four studies reported reproduction numbers for community‐based epidemics at the town or country level. The range was 1·2–3·1, with larger estimates reported at the beginning of the pandemic. Accounting for under‐reporting in the early period of the pandemic and limiting variation because of the choice of the generation time interval, the reproduction number was between 1·2 and 2·3 with median 1·5. Discussion The serial interval of A/H1N1 (2009) flu was typically short, with mean value similar to the seasonal flu. The estimates of the reproduction number were more variable. Compared with past influenza pandemics, the median reproduction number was similar (1968) or slightly smaller (1889, 1918, 1957).     

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccination

We report a case of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) after pandemic influenza (H1N1) vaccination. A 57-year-old man, who had been diagnosed with IPF in September 2008, was admitted to our hospital in December 2009 because of aggravation of dyspnea and fever two days after H1N1 vaccination. Chest computed tomography showed diffuse bilateral ground-glass opacities superimposed on preceding reticular opacities. We diagnosed AE-IPF. Corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide were effective. Although the efficacy of influenza vaccination in patients with chronic lung diseases is well established, physicians should keep in mind that influenza vaccination has the potential to cause AE-IPF.     

Association between seasonal influenza vaccination in 2008-2009 and pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 infection among school students from Kobe, Japan, April-June 2009

We assessed the effect of seasonal trivalent inactivated influenza vaccination (TIV) on pandemic influenza 2009 (pH1N1)-related illness from April to June 2009 among 2849 students (aged 12-18 years). TIV was associated with an increase in the frequency of pH1N1-related illness among subjects (adjusted odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.89). TIV during the 2008-2009 season increased the risk of pH1N1-related illness from April to June 2009.