Influenza-Like Illness Surveillance in Ecuador (2006–2010)
Author Information
Author(s): Douce Richard W., Aleman Washington, Chicaiza-Ayala Wilson, Madrid Cesar, Sovero Merly, Delgado Franklin, Rodas Mireya, Ampuero Julia, Chauca Gloria, Perez Juan, Garcia Josefina, Kochel Tadeusz, Halsey Eric S., Laguna-Torres V. Alberto
Primary Institution: Hospital Vozandes, Quito, Ecuador
Hypothesis
What are the viral agents associated with influenza-like illness (ILI) in Ecuador and their epidemiologic characteristics?
Conclusion
This study provides the most extensive documentation of the viral causes of ILI in Ecuador, showing that influenza is a common cause of ILI with multiple outbreaks occurring each year.
Supporting Evidence
- Out of 1,702 cases of ILI, nine viral agents were detected in 597 patients.
- Seven genetic variants of influenza circulated in Ecuador during the study.
- Influenza was a common cause of ILI, causing more than one outbreak per year.
Takeaway
The study looked at sick people in Ecuador to find out what viruses were making them cough and have fevers. They found that flu was a big reason for these illnesses.
Methodology
This was a prospective surveillance study based on viral culture of oropharyngeal specimens collected from patients with ILI in hospitals over four years.
Potential Biases
The patient populations served by different hospitals may have introduced an age bias.
Limitations
There was an age bias in the population studied, and the sensitivity of viral detection methods may have been affected by sample transport conditions.
Participant Demographics
The median age of participants was 24 years, with 46.2% female and a significant number of children under 5 years old.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 32.4 to 36.9
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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