Author:
Egli Adrian,Saalfrank Claudia,Goldman Nina,Brunner Myrta,Hollenstein Yvonne,Vogel Thomas,Augustin Noémie,Wüthrich Daniel,Seth-Smith Helena M.B.,Roth Elisa,Syedbasha Mohammedyaseen,Mueller Nicola F.,Vogt Dominik,Bauer Jan,Amar-Sliwa Nadezhda,Meinel Dominik M.,Dubuis Olivier,Naegele Michael,Tschudin-Sutter Sarah,Buser Andreas,Nickel Christian H.,Zeller Andreas,Ritz Nicole,Battegay Manuel,Stadler Tanja,Schneider-Sliwa Rita
Abstract
IntroductionUrban transmission patterns of influenza viruses are complex and poorly understood, and multiple factors may play a critical role in modifying transmission. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) allows the description of patient-to-patient transmissions at highest resolution. The aim of this study is to explore urban transmission patterns of influenza viruses in high detail by combining geographical, epidemiological and immunological data with WGS data.Methods and analysisThe study is performed at the University Hospital Basel, University Children’s Hospital Basel and a network of paediatricians and family doctors in the Canton of Basel-City, Switzerland. The retrospective study part includes an analysis of PCR-confirmed influenza cases from 2013 to 2018. The prospective study parts include (1) a household survey regarding influenza-like illness (ILI) and vaccination against influenza during the 2015/2016 season; (2) an analysis of influenza viruses collected during the 2016/2017 season using WGS—viral genomic sequences are compared with determine genetic relatedness and transmissions; and (3) measurement of influenza-specific antibody titres against all vaccinated and circulated strains during the 2016/2017 season from healthy individuals, allowing to monitor herd immunity across urban quarters. Survey data and PCR-confirmed cases are linked to data from the Statistics Office of the Canton Basel-City and visualised using geo-information system mapping. WGS data will be analysed in the context of patient epidemiological data using phylodynamic analyses, and the obtained herd immunity for each quarter. Profound knowledge on the key geographical, epidemiological and immunological factors influencing urban influenza transmission will help to develop effective counter measurements.Ethics and disseminationThe study is registered and approved by the regional ethics committee as an observational study (EKNZ project ID 2015–363 and 2016–01735). It is planned to present the results at conferences and publish the data in scientific journals.Trial registration numberNCT03010007.
Funder
Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung
Freiwillige Akademische Gesellschaft
Cited by
7 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献