Detection of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus in a patient travelling from Shanghai to Italy in July 2018: an uncommon clinical presentation in a non-seasonal period

J Prev Med Hyg. 2019 Mar 29;60(1):E1-E4. doi: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2019.60.1.1214. eCollection 2019 Mar.

Abstract

Influenza is one of the most common infectious diseases in travellers, especially in those returning from subtropical and tropical regions. In late June 2018 an influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection was diagnosed in a 36-years-old man, returned from a travel in Shanghai and hospitalized at the Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy, with a diagnosis of fever and an uncommon clinical presentation characterised by a persistent leukopenia. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a closeness with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 strains circulating in the US in May-June 2018. Prompt recognition of influenza infection led to a proper case management, demonstrating the crucial role of the continuous influenza surveillance programme.

Keywords: Influenza; Leukopenia; Surveillance; Travellers’ infectious disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • China
  • Communicable Diseases, Imported / blood
  • Communicable Diseases, Imported / complications
  • Communicable Diseases, Imported / diagnosis*
  • Communicable Diseases, Imported / drug therapy
  • Fever
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / genetics
  • Influenza, Human / blood
  • Influenza, Human / complications
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis*
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy
  • Italy
  • Leukopenia / blood
  • Leukopenia / etiology
  • Male
  • Oseltamivir / therapeutic use
  • Phylogeny
  • Seasons

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Oseltamivir