Abstract:
Objective The study was conducted to investigate etiologic and epidemiological characteristics of influenza viruses in Liaoning province from 2006 to 2007. Methods Influenza viruses was isolated from throat swab samples through embryonated eggs in conjunction with cell culture, and identified by hemagglutination inhibition test. Results A total of 213 samples were obtained from children, and 41 strains of influenza virus were isolated, including 31 Type A (14 Subtype H1, 17 Subtype H3) and 10 Type B isolates, the isolation rate being 19.25%. Children aged 4 to 9 years were primarily affected. Conclusion Influenza viruses of three different subtypes were prevailing in Liaoning from 2006 to 2007, the predominant subtype being H1 before the end of 2006 and H3 and B since 2007.