Pathological study on respiratory infectious diseases in Myanmar

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Influenza epidemiology varies according to the geographical location and climate. Influenza occurs mainly during winter in the temperate zones. However, little are known about epidemiology and seasonality of influenza in tropical zones, especially in Myanmar. Yangon is the capital city of Myanmar, and has a tropical monsoon climate.We have conducted the first study in Yangon from September 2003 and clarified the seasonality of influenza virus infections in this tropical county. Throat or nasal swabs were collected from the patients with influenza-like symptoms, and tested with rapid diagnostic test kits and virus isolation. Influenza B virus was detected from 6 cases in October, 2003. Influenza A viruses were detected from 133 patients from June to September, 2004, and 51 influenza A viruses isolated from 72 specimens were A/H3N2.In 2005, both influenza A and B virus infections occurred in the rainy season. Isolated influenza A viruses were H1N1. The epidemiological study in Myanmar is important to global influenza surveillance. A collaboration agreement established between Myanmar Ministry of Health and Niigata University will be of great importance to continue the ongoing influenza surveillance. We had the 1^<st> Myanmar-Japan Biomedical Workshop in Yangon on Dec.19,2006.