Phylogenetic analysis of human rhinoviruses collected over four successive years in Sydney, Australia.

Background: Human rhinoviruses (HRV) cause a wide spectrum of disease, ranging from a mild influenza-like illness (ILI) to severe respiratory infection. Molecular epidemiological data are limited for HRV circulating in the Southern Hemisphere.

Objectives: To identify the species and genotypes of HRV from clinical samples collected in Sydney, Australia, from 2006 to 2009.

Pandemic clinical case definitions are non-specific: multiple respiratory viruses circulating in the early phases of the 2009 influenza pandemic in New South Wales, Australia.

Background: During the early phases of the 2009 pandemic, subjects with influenza-like illness only had laboratory testing specific for the new A(H1N1)pdm09 virus.

Findings: Between 25th May and 7th June 2009, during the pandemic CONTAIN phase, A(H1N1)pdm09 virus was detected using nucleic acid tests in only 56 of 1466 (3.8%) samples meeting the clinical case definition required for A(H1N1)pdm09 testing.

Respiratory viruses transmission from children to adults within a household.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the rate of transmission of influenza and other respiratory viruses from children attending an Emergency Department to their family members in the household using active surveillance.

Methods: A prospective hospital-based study was conducted over three consecutive winters (2006-2008) in children aged <1-15 years presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI). 168 children with ILI and their healthy families were recruited over three winter seasons.