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The Epidemiology and Burden of Influenza B/Victoria and B/Yamagata Lineages in Kenya, 2012–2016
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September 30 2019
Source: Open Forum Infect Dis. 2019; 6(10)
Details:
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Alternative Title:Open Forum Infect Dis
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Description:Background
The impact of influenza B virus circulation in Sub-Saharan Africa is not well described.
Methods
We analyzed data from acute respiratory illness (ARI) in Kenya. We assessed clinical features and age-specific hospitalization and outpatient visit rates by person-years for influenza B/Victoria and B/Yamagata and the extent to which circulating influenza B lineages in Kenya matched the vaccine strain component of the corresponding season (based on Northern Hemisphere [October–March] and Southern Hemisphere [April–September] vaccine availability).
Results
From 2012 to 2016, influenza B represented 31% of all influenza-associated ARIs detected (annual range, 13–61%). Rates of influenza B hospitalization and outpatient visits were higher for <5 vs ≥5 years. Among <5 years, B/Victoria was associated with pneumonia hospitalization (64% vs 44%; P = .010) and in-hospital mortality (6% vs 0%; P = .042) compared with B/Yamagata, although the mean annual hospitalization rate for B/Victoria was comparable to that estimated for B/Yamagata. The 2 lineages co-circulated, and there were mismatches with available trivalent influenza vaccines in 2/9 seasons assessed.
Conclusions
Influenza B causes substantial burden in Kenya, particularly among children aged <5 years, in whom B/Victoria may be associated with increased severity. Our findings suggest a benefit from including both lineages when considering influenza vaccination in Kenya.
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Pubmed ID:31660376
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC6804754
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