Prevalence of Influenza B Virus in Flu Patients Referring to Health Centers in Mazandaran Province, Iran, 2011- 2013

Abstract Background and Objective: Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by Influenza virus with three kinds of A, B and C . This virus  spreads througout  the world   and produce some epidemics with different intensities . This study aimed to determine the prevalence of influenza B in patients reffering to health centers. Material and Methods: this study was conducted on 878 samples in 2011-2013.  Using PureLinkTM Viral RNA/DNA Kit,  Influenza-RNA was extracted. Then Influenza B was distinguished by using  SuperScript III Platinum, Quantitive Real Time PCR System from InvitrogenTM , specific primers and probs. Results: the rate of Influenza B positive was %5.58 of the patients that %55.10 of them were female and %44.89 male. The highest rate was related to 31-40 and 51-60 year old patients. Conclusion: given the prevalence of  influenza B virus and lack of genetic changes , it is recommended that a proper vaccine for improving immunty and effective drugs for treatmet be used. Keywords: Influenza B Virus; Respiratory Tract Infections; Common Cold; RT-PCR