Overview of three influenza seasons in Georgia, 2014–2017

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201207
• Publication Date: 2018-07-27T13:35:52Z
• Authors: Ann Machablishvili; Giorgi Chakhunash...; Khatuna Zakhashvili; Irakli Karseladze; Olgha Tarkhan-Mou...; Mari Gavashelidze; Tamar Jashiashvili; Lela Sabadze; Paata Imnadze; Rodney S. Daniels; Burcu Ermetal; John W. McCauley
• Keywords: Influenza-like illness

Background Influenza epidemiological and virologic data from Georgia are limited. We aimed to present Like Illness (ILI) Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) surveillance characterize influenza viruses circulating in the country over three seasons. Methods analyzed sentinel site ILI SARI for 2014–2017 seasons Georgia. Patients' samples were screened by real-time RT-PCR isolated characterized antigenically haemagglutination inhibition assay genetically sequencing of HA NA genes. Results 32% (397/1248) 29% (581/1997) patients tested positive viruses. In 2014–2015 median week detection was 7/2015 with B/Yamagata lineage dominating (79%); 2015–2016—week 5/2016 A/H1N1pdm09 prevailing (83%); 2016–2017 a bimodal distribution activity observed—the first wave caused A/H3N2 (55%) 51/2016 second B/Victoria (45%) 9/2017. For ILI, virus highest children aged 5–14 years while most >15 27 (4.6%) 581 cases died during Persons 30–64 had risk fatal outcome, notably those infected (OR 11.41, CI 3.94–33.04, p<0.001). gene fell into genetic groups 6B 6B.1; belonged subclades 3C.3b, 3C.3a, 3C.2a 3C.2a1; clade 3 clade1A. Conclusion occurred mainly December through March all seasons, varying peak weeks predominating Around one third ILI/ associated distinct course