Objective: We assessed the systematic RT-PCR screening of patients admitted to an infectious diseases department (IDD), during the 2012-2013 influenza outbreak.
Methodology: Patients admitted with cough and fever underwent a nasopharyngeal smear for RT-PCR screening.
Results: Ninety-eight patients were admitted in the IDD, from January 1st to February 22nd, 46 were screened; 11 male and 6 female patients (17.3%, mean age of 68 years) were positive. The diagnoses made in the emergency department, before RT-PCR screening, were most frequently lung infection and sepsis, but influenza in only 4 cases. The diagnosis of influenza led to stopping antibiotics (n=4), initiating curative (n=4) and preventive (n=4) treatments with oseltamivir, and isolating patients to prevent a hospital outbreak.
Conclusion: Systematic RT-PCR screening allows a rapid therapeutic management and the prevention of hospital epidemic through appropriate isolation measures.
Keywords: Dépistage; Grippe; Influenza; PCR; Screening.
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