263580 Molecular Epidemiology of Seasonal & Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) in Hawai‘i

Monday, October 29, 2012

Denise Nelson, MS, PhDc , Office of Public Health Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
Shannon Bennett, PhD , Dept of Tropical Medicine & Infectious Diseases, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
Influenza is a viral infection causing seasonal outbreaks, periodic epidemics and global pandemics in humans, the latest being the 2009 pandemic. The State of Hawai‘i is particularly vulnerable to the spread of influenza due to its unique geographic positioning and heavily trafficked travel patterns. Through the usage of epidemiological research in conjunction with laboratory methods, we are able to trace viral strain origins based on phylogenetic relationships between isolates. In collaboration with the Hawai‘i Department of Health State Laboratory Division, we present a study in which viral isolates collected from individuals in Hawai‘i confirmed as being infected with either seasonal, or pandemic, H1N1 influenza A are extracted, amplified and sequenced for the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes to examine evolutionary relationships and spatio-temporal patterns. Implications of molecular data are also supported by epidemiologic information. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Hawai‘i acts as both a source and sink population for type A influenza virus: in some instances Hawai‘i isolates represented the earliest instance of a strain subsequently seen elsewhere; in other instances Hawai‘i isolates clustered with strains observed earlier in other countries or geographic regions. Through the usage of molecular methods, we hope to develop an improved understanding of influenza dynamics in Hawai‘i. Targeting an area of geographic importance additionally assists in depicting how location and population distribution play a role in the spread of infectious disease. Enhanced comprehension may help to improve efficiency and effectiveness of preparation and response efforts, and reduce the impact of influenza on Hawai‘i and the continental US.

Learning Areas:
Basic medical science applied in public health
Epidemiology
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Public health biology
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe the unique role of the state of Hawaii in influenza circulation and human movement that influences circulation patters Identify influenza viral relationships between Hawaii and other areas, including North American, Oceanic and Asian countries

Keywords: Public Health Informatics, Infectious Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have devised and performed this research project including data collection, laboratory bench work, analysis and reporting.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.