Open AccessBurden of influenza among hospitalized febrile children in Ghana
Author(s) -
Hogan Benedikt,
Ammer Luise,
Zimmermann Marlow,
Binger Tabea,
Krumkamp Ralf,
Sarpong Nimako,
Rettig Theresa,
Dekker Denise,
Kreuels Benno,
Reigl Lisa,
Boahen Kennedy G.,
Wiafe Charity,
AduSarkodie Yaw,
OwusuDabo Ellis,
May Jürgen,
Eibach Daniel
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
influenza and other respiratory viruses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.743
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1750-2659
pISSN - 1750-2640
DOI - 10.1111/irv.12507
Subject(s) - medicine , malaria , disease burden , pediatrics , tropical medicine , disease , immunology , pathology
Background Influenza surveillance data from Africa indicate a substantial disease burden with high mortality. However, local influenza data from district hospitals with limited laboratory facilities are still scarce. Objectives To identify the frequency and seasonal distribution of influenza among hospitalized febrile children in a rural hospital in Ghana and to describe differential diagnoses to other severe febrile infections. Methods Between January 2014 and April 2015, all children with a temperature of ≥38°C admitted to a district hospital in Ghana were screened for influenza A and B by RT ‐ PCR and differentiated to subtypes A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2). Malaria microscopy and blood cultures were performed for each patient. Results A total of 1063 children with a median age of 2 years ( IQR : 1‐4 years) were recruited. Of those, 271 (21%) were classified as severe acute respiratory infection ( SARI ) and 47 (4%) were positive for influenza, namely 26 (55%) influenza B, 15 (32%) A(H1N1)pdm09, and 6 (13%) A(H3N2) cases. Influenza predominantly occurred in children aged 3‐5 years and was more frequently detected in the major rainy season ( OR = 2.9; 95% CI : 1.47‐6.19) during the first half of the year. Two (4%) and seven (15%) influenza‐positive children were co‐diagnosed with an invasive bloodstream infection or malaria, respectively. Conclusion Influenza contributes substantially to the burden of hospitalized febrile children in Ghana being strongly dependent on age and corresponds with the major rainy season during the first half‐year.