A comprehensive review of the epidemiology and disease burden of Influenza B in 9 European countries

Abstract

This review was undertaken to consolidate information on the epidemiology and burden of influenza B, as well as the circulation patterns of influenza B lineage in 9 European countries. Following a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed and gray literature sources, we found that published data on influenza B epidemiology and burden are scarce. Surveillance data show frequent co-circulation of both influenza B lineages during influenza seasons, but little is known about its impact, especially in adults and the clinical burden of influenza B remains unknown. Mismatch between the circulating influenza B lineage and vaccine recommendations has been seen in at least one influenza season in every country. Such observations could impact the effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccination programs using trivalent vaccines, which contain only one influenza B lineage (B/Yamagata or B/Victoria) and highlight the need for local studies to better understand the epidemiology and burden of influenza B in these countries.

Keywords: Europe; co-circulation; influenza B; influenza vaccine; lineages; quadrivalent; trivalent; vaccine mismatch.

Figure 1.

PubMed selection procedure and number of included articles.

Figure 2.

Circulation patterns of seasonal influenza viruses excluding pandemic seasons, 2003–2013* (WHO-FluNet) Flu, influenza; wk, week, *Note: Austria (Data unavailable for 2005–2009); Belgium (Data unavailable for 2006); Luxembourg (Data unavailable for 2003 and 2005); Slovakia (Data unavailable for 2005–2008); Estonia (Data unavailable for 2003–2007).