A Study on Swine Flu Epidemic in the State of Gujarat in 2015

Volume : IV, Issue : IV, April - 2015

Dinesh K S, Hetal Bordar, Bela J Prajapati, Devang P Gupta, Nikhil Patel

Introduction: Influenza is a common human pathogen causing pandemics when there is an antigenic drift. In

humans three subtypes of Influenza A viruses viz., H1N1, H2N2, and H3N2.Influenza A H1N1 referred as �SWINE

FLU� cases.

Objective: The study was conducted to create awareness on Swine flu at times of epidemic outeak.

Material and Methods:

The study was done on suspected and confirmed cases of Swine flu admitted to Civil Hospital Ahmedabad and outside samples from January

2015 to Feuary 2015. Throat swabs and nasal swabs were confirmed by rtPCR method at the Virology lab, BJMC, Ahmedabad and from

Nodal surveillance centre, Gandhinagar as per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended by WHO. Outside positive

cases were also included in the study.

Result: Age group of 15-55 years were the most affected. N/L (Neutrophil/ Lymphocyte) ratio was found to be less than 2 in swine flu positive

patients.

Discussion: N/L ratio as a screening tool was found to be sensitive and specific for swine influenza virus infection and may serve as a rapid

screening test. Patients presenting with influenza like symptoms, low N/L ratio and low WBC count together can be used as a screening tool

for swine influenza.

Conclusion: N/L ratio and preventive measures like hand hygiene, use of protective mask and vaccines for emergency personnel will go a long

way in averting the epidemic.