PRACTICABILITY OF INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE BY VIRUS CULTURE OF CHILDREN

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Abstract
Levine, M. M. (Division of Infectious Diseases. Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine. 29 S. Greene St., Baltimore. Md.), Y. Togo and E. R. Wald. Practicability of influenza surveillance by virus culture of children. Am J Epidemiol 100:272–276, 1974.—Nasal mucus samples to culture for influenza virus were obtained from pediatric outpatients with influenza-like illness to evaluate the practicability and economy of influenza surveillance. Twenty-two of 30 virus isolations (73%) occurred within a 2-week period and provided viral confirmation of epidemic influenza in Baltimore. All isolates were closely related to the A/England/42/72 (H3N2) strain. The cost per specimen was $2.68. Twenty-four of 30 virus isolations occurred on the first passage of either embryonated egg or monkey kidney cell monolayer. It is suggested that influenza surveillance by virus culture of infants and children is economical, practical, and effective for any laboratory already equipped for virus isolation. Such laboratories are urged to establish influenza surveillance by virus culture and thereby expand the national surveillance system.

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