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

Belsy Acosta Herrera; Alexander Piñón Ramos; Odalys Valdés Ramírez; Amely Arencibia; Clara Savón Valdés; Suset Oropeza; Mayra Muné Jiménez; Grehete Gonzalez; Angel Goyenechea; Guelsys Gonzalez; Barbara Hernandez; Rosmery Roque Arrieta; Luis Morier; Susana Borroto; Maria Josefa Llánes; Antonio Marrero

2017, Number 3

Rev Cubana Med Trop 2017; 69 (3)

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

Acosta HB, Piñón RA, Valdés RO, Arencibia A, Savón VC, Oropeza S, Muné Jiménez M, Gonzalez G, Goyenechea Á, Gonzalez G, Hernández B, Roque AR, Morier L, Borroto S, Llánes MJ, Marrero A

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ABSTRACT

Introduction: the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network has been engaged in virological surveillance since it was established in 1952. The Cuban National Influenza Center has been a member of this network since 1975. Infections due to influenza viruses cause yearly epidemic events of high mortality, particularly among adults aged ≥ 65 years. They also cause pandemic events demanding the permanent effort of health authorities in developing plans for the preparation for and response to these phenomena. During the last decade, the work of the Cuban National Influenza Center has been aimed at strengthening diagnostic and research capacities to respond to the health emergencies caused by influenza viruses.
Objective: evaluate the progress achieved in the laboratory surveillance of influenza viruses from the year 2005 to the present.
Methods: an analysis was made of the results obtained by the National Influenza Center by incorporating new molecular diagnostic tests, performing a genetic characterization of circulating influenza viruses, conducting research studies on immunopathology and the study of the seasonal pattern of influenza.
Results: the period 2006-2016 witnessed an increase in the number and quality of the clinical samples used for the diagnosis and surveillance of influenza viruses. Diagnostic capacities were broadened with the incorporation of real time polymerase chain reaction tests. Phylogenetic analyses made it possible to detect genetic variants. The seasonal pattern of influenza viruses was similar to that of countries from the southern hemisphere.
Conclusions: availability of sensitive rapid tests for the diagnosis and surveillance of influenza viruses contributes to the timely identification of emerging and reemerging viruses, so that public health measures may be implemented which will minimize their national and global impact.