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| National Influenza Reference Center, Southern Greece (NIC) |
| Member of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network |
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Director: A.F. Mentis, MD mentis@mail.pasteur.gr
Tel +30-210-6478816
Personnel:
The National Influenza Reference Centre of Southern Greece (NIC), was established in 1978 by decree of the Hellenic Ministry of Health and Welfare and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The NIC forms part of the WHO worldwide influenza surveillance network.
The NIC collaborates primarily with the Hellenic Centre for Infectious Diseases Control (KEEL) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare for the purpose of the timely detection and isolation of influenza viruses from clinical samples collected in Southern Greece during the winter influenza surveillance period. During this period clinical samples are sent to the NIC from hospitals and institutions of the Athens area as well as from hospitals and health centres of Southern Greece and the sentinel network of the KEEL.
The following laboratory methods are used for influenza virus detection and isolation:
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MDCK cell culture for isolation of influenza viruses
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Identification and typing of isolated viruses by haemagglutination-inhibition method (HAI). The standard WHO reagents and methods are used
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Rapid culture assay with Direct immunofluorescence for the rapid detection of influenza viruses from clinical samples
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RT-PCR for detection of influenza A and B viruses from clinical specimens
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Multiplex-Nested RT-PCR for typing and subtyping of influenza viruses
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Multiplex-Nested RT-PCR for detection and typing of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and parainfluenza viruses
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Serological examination of influenza A and B by enzyme immunoassays
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Real time PCR for detection of influenza viruses from clinical specimens
PCR-based methods have also been developed for the detection of H5 avian influenza virus
Selected representative clinical isolates of influenza virus are sent to the WHO collaborating centre in London for confirmation. Laboratory results from the yearly influenza surveillance are communicated to the WHO (Flunet), to the European Network for Influenza Surveillance (Eurogrog), to the KEEL and the NIC of Northern Greece
Table: Laboratory results from the yearly influenza surveillance
|
Period |
|
Isolation of Influenza Viruses |
|
Samples |
Influenza Type Α' |
Influenza Type Β' |
|
|
Positive |
% |
Influenza Subtype |
Positive |
% |
|
1998-99 |
68 |
12 |
17,6 |
Η3Ν2 |
1 |
1,4 |
|
1999-00 |
350 |
28 |
8,5 |
Η3Ν2 |
0 |
0 |
|
2000-01 |
285 |
17 |
6,0 |
Η1Ν1 |
11 |
3 |
|
2001-02 |
116 |
7 |
6,0 |
Η1Ν1 |
12 |
10 |
|
2002-03 |
152 |
15 |
10 |
Η3Ν2, Η1Ν1 |
14 |
9 |
|
2003-04 |
448 |
71 |
15,8 |
Η3Ν2, Η1Ν1 |
0 |
0 |
|
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