Publications by authors named "Ludivina Freitas"
Seroprevalence of Protective Antibodies Against Influenza and the Reduction of the Influenza Incidence Rate: An Annual Repeated Cross-Sectional Study From 2014 to 2019.
Raquel Guiomar Susana Pereira da Silva Inês Costa Patricia Conde Paula Cristóvão Ludivina Freitas Margarida Freitas
Influenza Other Respir Viruses
May 2024
Background: Seroepidemiological studies provide estimates of population-level immunity, prevalence/incidence of infections, and evaluation of vaccination programs. We assessed the seroprevalence of protective antibodies against influenza and evaluated the correlation of seroprevalence with the cumulative annual influenza incidence rate.
Methods: We conducted an annual repeated cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey, during June-August, from 2014 to 2019, in Portugal.
Article Synopsis
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory infections in infants, children, and the elderly, leading to significant health impacts, highlighting the need for understanding its molecular biology as vaccines become available.
- This study analyzed RSV epidemiology and genetic variation in Portugal from 2014 to 2018, using data and samples collected through a surveillance system to determine RSV prevalence and genotypes.
- Results showed a higher RSV prevalence in younger children and identified predominant RSV-A and RSV-B strains, particularly the ON1 and BA9 genotypes, indicating a diverse range of RSV strains circulating in Portugal during the study period.