Molecular detection and subtyping of circulating influenza virus strains in Rwanda

Abstract

Background: Influenza virus remains a significant global health threat, causing seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics. Nearly 10% of the world's population is affected by influenza annually, with about half a million deaths each year. Rwanda, has established a national influenza surveillance system, where a lot of data is generated on the epidemiology and seasonality of influenza. There is limited recent molecular data on circulating influenza subtypes. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the circulating influenza virus subtypes using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) among patients presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) in selected health facilities in Rwanda. Methodology: Nasopharyngeal samples were analyzed for influenza and later subtyped into A(H1N1) pdm09, A(H3N2), and other relevant subtypes. Demographic and epidemiological data were analyzed to assess the patterns of distribution by age groups and regions. Results: This study on the molecular detection and subtyping of influenza in Rwanda found a 10% prevalence of influenza in 320 study participants, with the H1N1pdm09 subtype detected in 32 samples. Females had a higher infection rate (13.3%) compared to males (6.5%), with a significant association (p = 0.044). No significant correlation was found between age and H1N1pdm09 positivity (p = 0.837). Geographically, 62.5% of the cases were detected in eastern province indicating regional variation, Results provide essential, up-to-date information on influenza subtype distribution and help the national surveillance system through guidance of vaccine and outbreak preparedness strategies. The study serves as a critical stepping stone toward the implementation of influenza surveillance in Rwanda.