Molecular Detection of Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) Virus in SARI Patient in South Iraq Governorates using Real-Time PCR

Human influenza virus surveillance has a pronounced seasonal cycle.Rapid and reliable detection of newly emerging influenza viruses is important to enhance our influenza reasserting in Iraq. A total of 869 samples were collected from hospitalized patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) from six south Iraq governorates ( Najaf, Qadisiyah, Maysan, Muthanna, Dhi Qar and Basrah ) during the year 2013. Approximately 29.34% of the cases were belong to the Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 which predominant on the seasonal flue 20.71% of all suspected SARI patients. Male patients showed higher percentage than female patients 153(59.99% ) and 102 (39.99% respectively).The highest peak of H1N1 infection was recorded in age group 40 years old 69 (27.05%) fallowed by age group 14-19 years old which represented 52 (20.39%) in male patients. In female patient the pattern was different the highest peak was observed in age group 19-40 years old 41(16.07%) fallowed by age group 40 years old 32(12.54%). Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 activity in Iraq start increasing in winter season, particularly in January, and toward the end of February in some governorates and my extend to March in others.