14th ICID - Poster Abstracts - International Society for Infectious ...

When citing these abstracts please use the following reference:
Author(s) of abstract. Title of abstract [abstract]. Int J Infect Dis 2010;14S1: Abstract number.
Please note that the official publication of the International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2010, Volume 14, Supplement 1
is available electronically on http://www.sciencedirect.com
Final Abstract Number: 75.026
Session: Diagnostics
Date: Friday, March 12, 2010
Time: 12:30-13:30
Room: Poster & Exhibition Area/Ground Level
Type: Poster Presentation
Study of the efficient treatment of the influenza (S-OIV, A/H1N1)
H. IWAMURA, W. Nakanishi, C. Yamada, M. Shinogami
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
Background: Influenza, transmitted by contact with infected individuals, presents with fever,
arthralgia, nasal discharge, etc. Although influenza kits are often used for the diagnosis of
influenza, the reported percentage of S-OIV, A/H1N1 influenza cases in which the kit is useful for
the diagnosis varies from 50% to 90%. This rate probably varies depending on the interval from
symptom appearance to the test, and also the presenting symptoms. We recently investigated the
efficient treatment of the influenza (S-OIV, A/H1N1).
Methods: The influenza kit (Hanaco Medical Co., Ltd.) was used for the diagnosis in 279
individuals presenting with influenza-like symptoms at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Hospital
between August 1 and October 6, 2009. The symptoms, history of contact with infected
individuals, and interval from symptom appearance to the test (0-12 hours, 12-24 hours, 24-48
hours, and over 48 hours) were analyzed.
Results: Fever (over 38°C) was seen in 18%, sore throat in 26%, nasal discharge in 7% and
arthralgia in 26% of all individuals testing positive with this kit. The positive rate did not differ
significantly depending on the interval from symptom appearance to the test (0-12 hours, 19.6%;
1-24 hours, 26.1%; 24-48 hours, 34.1%; over 48 hours, 34.1%). The influenza positive rate was
markedly high (83%) only in individuals having a positive history of contact.
Conclusion: The diagnostic rate with the kit was less than 50% even in individuals presenting
with fever (the most characteristic symptom of influenza). Thus, a definitive diagnosis of influenza
may not be possible with a kit alone. The positive rate did not differ significantly among different
symptom groups, or depending on the interval from symptom appearance to the test. However, it
was markedly high (83%) in individuals with a positive history of contact. Patients having a history
of contact and presenting with influenza-like symptoms may be judged as having influenza
without visiting a clinic and managed as home-care patients, by sending the antiviral agents to
their homes. This approach would prevent massive influenza outbreaks and also have
socioeconomic benefits.