A decade of progress in the laboratory surveillance of influenza viruses in Cuba

[摘要] Introduction: the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network has been engaged in virologicalsurveillance since it was established in 1952. The Cuban National InfluenzaCenter has been a member of this network since 1975. Infections due to influenzaviruses cause yearly epidemic events of high mortality, particularly among adultsaged ≥ 65 years. They also cause pandemic events demanding the permanent effort ofhealth authorities in developing plans for the preparation for and responseto these phenomena. During the last decade, the work of the Cuban National InfluenzaCenter has been aimed at strengthening diagnostic and research capacities torespond to the health emergencies caused by influenza viruses.Objective:evaluate the progress achieved in the laboratory surveillance of influenza virusesfrom the year 2005 to the present.Methods: an analysis was made of the results obtained by the National Influenza Centerby incorporating new molecular diagnostic tests, performing a genetic characterizationof circulating influenza viruses, conducting research studies on immunopathologyand the study of the seasonal pattern of influenza.Results: the period 2006-2016 witnessed an increase in the number and quality of theclinical samples used for the diagnosis and surveillance of influenza viruses.Diagnostic capacities were broadened with the incorporation of real time polymerasechain reaction tests. Phylogenetic analyses made it possible to detect geneticvariants. The seasonal pattern of influenza viruses was similar to that of countriesfrom the southern hemisphere.Conclusions: availability of sensitive rapid tests for the diagnosis and surveillanceof influenza viruses contributes to the timely identification of emerging andre-emerging viruses, so that public health measures may be implemented whichwill minimize their national and global impact.

[学科分类] 传染病学