DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i05.029

Pages: 1310-1313

H1N1 [Swine flu], a novel strain of Influenza A virus, has contributed to significant morbidity and mortality. The first case in India was identified in May 2009. Several outbreaks have occurred since then, yet very few studies on complete blood analysis of H1N1Influenza have been reported. We conducted a retrospective study in 158 adult patients for whom H1N1 Influenza A virus was detected by RT - PCR method. Complete blood count reports of all the RT PCR positive patients were collected from the hospital information system and the laboratory data were retrospectively assessed and analysed. RT - PCR is considered as the gold standard for the diagnosis of H1N1 Influenza. Although RT PCR is a sensitive test, results are often delayed leading to difficulties in disease management. Rapid diagnosis of H1N1 Influenza is important for early initiation of anti viral therapy. Hence we analyzed the haematological parameters of H1N1 patients to identify a potential marker for H1N1 infection in order to help the clinicians to plan the treatment protocol for patients presenting with Influenza like symptoms while awaiting the PCR / culture reports. We could demonstrate that, lymphopenia and eosinopenia in the presence of clinical parameters may be helpful in identifying the cases of H1N1 while more sensitive laboratory test results are awaited.